In Gujarat, a case has been filed against an unknown individual for attempting to sell the Statue of Unity, located in Kevadiya, for ₹30,000 crore on the online marketplace OLX. The advertisement claimed the sale was to raise funds for hospitals and medical infrastructure in the fight against COVID-19.
The Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is the tallest statue in the world, standing at 182 meters. The authorities became aware of the online listing after it was reported in a newspaper and subsequently approached the police. A case for cheating, forgery, and violating the Epidemic Diseases Act and Information Technology Act was filed against the unidentified person.
The advertisement was removed shortly after being posted, but the incident has drawn attention for defaming the government and misleading the public. The authorities also noted that such acts hurt the sentiments of millions who hold Sardar Patel in high regard.