Stone pelted at Goa minister after unveiling Shivaji statue

India: Goa Minister Subhash Phal Desai was injured when stones were pelted after the unveiling of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at a village in South Goa on Monday.

According to Kashmir Media Service, there was heavy police presence in Sao Jose De Areal village near Margao town on Sunday after some people installed a statue of the Maratha king, while another group took objection.

The day marks the 394th birth anniversary of the Maratha emperor, and events are held across the state to celebrate it.

The stone pelting occurred in the afternoon when the minister was getting into his car after unveiling the statue.

Talking to the media, the state social welfare minister said, “A mob opposing the installation of the statue pelted stones after I had a brief discussion with them in the village.” A few stones hit him, and he sustained a minor injury, he said.

Villagers of Sao Jose De Areal have been protesting against the installation of the statue since Sunday.