Unidentified persons vandalised former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's statue at Chilkalguda crossroads on Sunday.

While the police has launched a hunt to trace the offenders, some students of Osmania University claim responsibility for the incident stating they damaged the statue in protest against the desecration of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's statue in various parts of the State.

Local Congress leaders noticed the damage caused to the statue and alerted the police.

OU student owns up

Activists later staged a demonstration at the spot demanding arrest of those involved in the crime. An OU student, Krishank, later called up and informed media persons that he was responsible for the incident. Police say efforts are on to verify the student's claim.