Statue of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar

MUZAFFARNAGAR: As severe cold wave condition is sweeping north India, a "mentally challenged" man wrapped a blanket around the statue of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar and lit a bonfire near it to keep the statue warm. The matter was reported from Muzaffarnagar 's Khatauli area in west Uttar Pradesh on Saturday morning after locals approached the police to lodge a complaint. Police later apprehended the accused but let him off after finding that the man was mentally challenged.When police questioned the man, he muttered that he had done everything to stop the statue from freezing in this biting cold. "I was feeling cold and I thought Ambedkar would be feeling the same, and therefore I have covered him with a blanket and lit a bonfire near the statue," said the man to police.Superintendent of police (SP) Omveer Singh said, "Station house officer of Khatauli and circle officer (CO) and members of the Dalit community later found out that the accused was a mentally disturbed person. I have spoken to the SHO and the CO regarding the matter.No case has been registered in the matter but the incident was entered in the General Diary (GD), said Sarvesh Singh, SHO of Khatouli police station.