Clash erupts over 60-year-old Ravan statue:One group calls it inauspicious, seeks removal; other defends king, refuses to let go

On the land of Vindhya, a clash between faith and belief has emerged these days. The reason for the confrontation is a nearly 60-year-old, 10-foot statue of Ravan in Tyonthar of Rewa district. One side claims the statue is the cause of defects, illnesses, and obstacles to development, so it should be removed. Astrologers and religious leaders are calling it a result of Vastu defects. On the other hand, another group considers it a symbol of the scholarship of Lanka’s king Ravan and has warned they will not let even a scratch come to it. Why there is a dispute over such an old statue of Ravan— with this question, Dainik Bhaskar reached Tyonthar from Rewa to understand the entire matter. Read the report. A PWD officer had installed the statue The statue of Ravan is installed in the middle of Dashanan Maidan in Tyonthar. The seated statue is quite large. According to locals, about six decades ago a PWD officer installed it with the help of some people. For so many years it has been regarded as a cultural symbol during Dussehra. Over time, the area’s identity itself became linked to the Ravan statue. When the dispute intensified, elders stepped forward. Several meetings were held, but no solution emerged. Conflict situation arose when illness spread 6 months ago About six months ago, illness spread in the area. From elders to children—some had fever, some developed thyroid issues. Some suffered from skin diseases while others were diagnosed with different types of cancer. Most children fell prey to seasonal illnesses. As diseases spread, some people moved to Rewa or outside the district for better doctors and environment. Moreover, the area is already quite backward in terms of development, so some villagers began linking both illness and stalled development to the Ravan statue, calling it an inauspicious sign. Misleading news started circulating on social media groups Such misleading messages started circulating in several local social media groups. It spread rapidly that removing the statue would end defects and open the path to development. Some people even approached astrologers. Many began treating it as a Vastu defect. The situation escalated to the point that two groups in the town stood face-to-face. One insisted on removing the statue. The other threatened those demanding removal. As the dispute grew, elders intervened and tried to find a solution. Several meetings were held, but none produced a resolution. For and Against… Both Sides Have Their Own Arguments ‘Development path will open only when the statue is removed’ Teacher Saurabh Dwivedi says no major development work has taken place in the village for years. The road is incomplete. Doctors do not stay at the hospital. Illnesses have also increased in the past two years. Elders believe Ravan’s statue is considered inauspicious. If it is removed, the environment will purify and the town will progress. Homemaker Seema Sahu (38) says children are falling ill repeatedly, which was not the case earlier. Women discussed it among themselves and most said the statue is inauspicious. She added they are not against anyone’s faith, but the village’s welfare comes first. Resident Rajneesh Pandey says people in the area talk in many ways, creating an atmosphere of fear. They say places where Ravan statues exist never progress. He says their region seems to be a living example of this, and it appears completely true. Teacher Thakur Prasad Yadav also supports removal. He says however scholarly Ravan’s character is described, he symbolizes arrogance and unrighteousness. Because of this statue, ill omens and negativity are spreading in the area. He says the village’s identity should be tied to a positive symbol. They will request the administration to peacefully shift the statue to a museum or another location. Those supporting removal argue the region is already backward. Irrigation, employment, and education opportunities are limited. They believe removing a negative symbol will psychologically bring positive change as well. ‘Ravan was a great scholar, we won’t let it be removed’ On the other hand, a large section strongly opposes the demand. They say viewing Ravan only as a villain is a one-sided perspective. Ravikant Tiwari says Ravan was a knower of Vedas and scriptures. He says many texts describe him as a great scholar. They do not support his evils, but they respect knowledge and scholarship. The 60-year-old statue is their cultural heritage and they will not allow even a scratch. Social worker Shivendra Shukla says blaming a statue for every problem is superstition. If development is lacking, administration and leaders are responsible. Removing the statue will not build a hospital or factory. Trader Jagdish Patel (50) said they will fight a legal battle. The statue has stood there for decades. If anyone had objections, why were they not raised earlier? Suddenly blaming illness and backwardness on the statue is wrong. Meetings continued, but no solution emerged There is also a third group that wants peace in the village. Two meetings were held last week for a solution. In the first meeting, the atmosphere became heated. There were sharp arguments between both sides. Somehow the matter was controlled. In the second meeting, appeals were made to maintain peace, but no concrete decision could be reached. Some youths have launched a “Remove the statue, save the village” campaign on social media, while the opposing side has released posters saying “Save the heritage of knowledge.” Religious leaders said – serious fault with Ravan’s statue Tyonthar has been backward in development for many decades The Tyonthar region has long been considered behind in the race for development. Villagers say industrial investment has not come, dependence on agriculture is high, and youth must migrate for jobs. On top of that, diseases like cancer, infertility, brain tumours, and several others are affecting people. Opponents of the Ravan statue see it as a symbol of backwardness, while supporters argue blaming it for lack of development diverts attention from real issues. Station In-charge Said – Such Cases Don’t Fall Under Our Jurisdiction In the matter, Tyonthar police station in-charge Sanjeev Sharma said such issues do not fall under police jurisdiction. The final decision has to be taken by the administration. The SDM will decide. SDM Said – When Both Parties Come, We Will Find Solution Through Discussion Tyonthar SDM Prabhashankar Tripathi said he has not yet received any written complaint regarding the statue. There may be discussions or differences among locals and villagers. Many things circulate on social media nowadays. If both sides approach the administration, a solution will be found through dialogue. MLA said – I am in Bhopal right now, don’t have information about this matter On the whole matter, Tyonthar MLA Siddharth Tiwari says that I am currently in Bhopal due to the assembly session. Therefore, I don’t have much information about the subject. I will be able to comment on this subject only after discussing with people after returning to the area.