- Union Culture and Tourism Minister, Prahlad Patel paid a visit to the Red Fort to jot down the damages caused to the structure
- A vandalised metal detector gate and ticket counter along with broken shards of glass at the premises of the Red Fort were spotted
- The minister was accompanied by the secretary of culture ministry and the ASI director-general
THoD Newsdesk, New Delhi: On Wednesday, Union Culture and Tourism Minister, Prahlad Patel paid a visit to the Red Fort to jot down the damages caused to the structure while protests got violent on the 72nd R-day. As per reports, a section of farmers hoisted the Nishan Sahib (the flag of the Sikhs) and keeping it in mind, the minister has asked for a report on the incident. “I do not want to say anything on the issue yet. I have sought a report, let it come,” Patel was quoted saying.
Upon investigation, a vandalised metal detector gate and ticket counter along with broken shards of glass at the premises of the Red Fort were spotted. As per officials, the protesters inflicted extensive damage on the monument, which includes shattered window panes, broken toilets and a defaced entrance, amidst all. The farmers stayed at the monument till late evening on January 26, before returning to the respective protest sites.
The minister was accompanied by the secretary of culture ministry and the ASI director-general. On Tuesday, the minister condemned the actions of the protesting farmers who entered the Red Fort and said it violated the symbol of dignity of India’s democracy. In an order issued on Wednesday, the ASI stated that the iconic fort, which is guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), will stay closed till January 31 for the public and general visitors.
