Darjeeling, Nov. 21: A statue of Durga Malla, the first Indian Nepali from Netaji’s Azad Hind Fauj to be hanged by the British at the Delhi Central Jail, will soonfind its place in the Parliament complex.

The idea of the proposed 12 -foot figure of the freedom fighter, riding a horse and clad in Azad Hind Fauj fatigues, was conceived by a group of prominent Indian Nepali citizens to create an identity for the citizens from Nepal who call India home.

The “movement for integrity” which began silently in the early 90s was spearheaded by Dilkumari Bhandari, former Sikkim MP and wife of former Sikkim chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari.

“After repeated appeals, the Parliamentary committee overseeing the erection of the statue within the complex earmarked a place for the purpose three years ago. Nothing else has happened since, and two years have already elapsed,” said Kamsingh Ramudumu, treasurer of Sahid Durga Malla Salig Nirman Samiti.

“If we do not erect the statue of the icon by the end of the year, this site may be allotted to someone else,” he added.

A committee was formed a fortnight ago with Dilkumari being appointed its president.

Of the estimated Rs 30 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, has already been raised from public donations..

Gautam Pal, a noted sculptor from Calcutta, has been selected to make the statue.