An unidentified person driving a tractor allegedly rammed into the platform of the YSR statue opposite the Orion Hotel at Sthambalagaruvu Centre, causing destruction before fleeing the scene in Guntur city on Monday, police said.

According to the Guntur West Sub-Divisional Police, the incident occurred under the limits of Pattabhipuram Police Station. The tractor allegedly lost control while negotiating a turn and crashed into the rear side of the statue’s platform, dislodging three stone blocks from the structure and causing them to fall.

Local residents attempted to stop the tractor driver, but he allegedly did not halt the vehicle and escaped from the scene.

West DSP Bellam Srinivasa Rao said the incident appeared to be accidental and not intentional. He said the police have launched a detailed investigation to identify the tractor and trace the absconding driver. “Appropriate legal action would be taken after the driver is identified and the circumstances surrounding the incident are fully established,” he added.

Police are examining the case and collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Published - July 27, 2026 07:29 pm IST