A statue of Hans Hyldbakk, a well-known poet in Norway, has been stolen from its location in front of the municipal building in Surnadal. This theft occurred during the early hours of Sunday, and the unknown perpetrators used tools such as an angle grinder and saw to remove the statue. Local authorities have confirmed the incident and are set to report it to the police, as stated by municipal director Lars Inge Kvande.

The controversy surrounding the statue deepened earlier in the week when the Surnadal council decided to remove the statue following renewed allegations of misconduct against Hyldbakk, which emerged more than two decades after his death. Hyldbakk is notably recognized for his literary contributions, particularly for the poem "Vårsøg," which is celebrated in Norwegian literature. The decision to remove the statue was reportedly a response to public sentiment and demands for accountability concerning historical figures with troubling legacies.

This incident highlights the ongoing discourse in Norway regarding how to address monuments and statues that may represent problematic histories. As communities grapple with the legacies of prominent individuals, this event in Surnadal serves as a microcosm of a larger national debate about cultural heritage and memory. The police's involvement indicates the seriousness of the act of vandalism, drawing attention to the responsibilities of municipalities in curating public space and responding to evolving societal expectations around public figures.