Dr Ambedkar's Mumbai home vandalised, FIR filed

The Mumbai police have registered an FIR following vandalism at Rajgruh, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's home in the city.

Two persons threw stones at the glass windows and damaged CCTV cameras and potted plants at Rajgruh in Dadar, north central Mumbai, on Tuesday night.

CCTV footage showed a person smashing flower pots in the compound before fleeing, the police said.

Located in Hindu Colony, Dadar, the two-storeyed heritage bungalow houses the Ambedkar Museum where Babasaheb's books, portrait, ashes and vessels are among the artefacts.

The current residents of Rajgruh include Babasaheb's daughter-in-law and his grandsons, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar, Anandrao and Bhimrao.

Prakash Ambedkar, who was in Akola when the attack took place, has appealed for calm and asked his followers to not gather outside the house.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the state government has taken serious note of the vandalism at Dr Ambedkar's home and strict action will be taken against the guilty.

Condemning the incident, Pawar said it is an 'act of anti-social elements with wicked mindset'.

He urged people not to fall prey to the 'ulterior motives' of such elements, and ensure peace and unity.

'The vandalisation at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's residence in Mumbai is quite condemnable. It is the misadventure of anti-social elements with wicked mindset,' a statement from Ajit Pawar's office quoted him as saying.

'The state government has taken serious note of the incident and police initiated probe into the matter immediately. The accused will be traced at the earliest and strict action will be taken against them,' Pawar promised.