Amritsar, Jan. 29 -- Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale demanded slapping of sedition charges against accused who vandalised the statue of BR Ambedkar in Amritsar on Republic Day.

Athawale, who reached Amritsar on Wednesday, paid floral tribute at Ambedkar's statue and condemned the vandalism. Accompanied by representatives of local Dalit organisations, Athawale took stock of the situation at a meeting with senior officers, including Amritsar deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, municipal corporation commissioner Gurpreet Singh Aulakh and commissioner of police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar.

Addressing a press conference, the minister said, "I demand exemplary punishment for the accused. A thorough invest...