Katwa: Tension gripped West Bengal's Katwa town on Wednesday morning after the face and hands of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi were found wrapped in black cloth at the Station Bazar crossing, triggering outrage among residents and traders.

The incident came to light around 7 am when construction workers arriving at the busy intersection noticed the black cloth tied around the full-length statue of the Father of the Nation. They immediately alerted the police.

A team from Katwa police station reached the spot, removed the cloth and began an investigation.

As news of the incident spread, residents, shopkeepers and passersby gathered at the site, condemning the act and demanding strict action against those responsible.

Locals described the incident as an insult to Mahatma Gandhi and urged police to identify the culprits through CCTV footage installed near the statue.

Police said footage from surveillance cameras in the area is being examined to determine who was involved in the incident.

Officials confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway and assured that appropriate legal action will be taken once those responsible are identified.

The statue, installed by the Katwa Municipality on August 5, 1998, is a prominent landmark where floral tributes are paid every year on Gandhi Jayanti and other commemorative occasions.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with residents urging the administration to ensure such acts of disrespect towards national icons are prevented in the future.