Kolhapur clashes: Here’s what we know so far about communal violence | Best points
Kolhapur clash: From resorting to lathi charge to suspending internet services in parts of Kolhapur, here are the 10 most significant changes we know so far.
Tension prevailed in the Maharashtra city of Kolhapur on Wednesday following violent protests and stone-pelting during a bandh called by pro-Hindutva groups to crack down on inappropriate social media posts allegedly glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan.
According to news agency PTI, at least 36 people have been arrested so far and cases registered in connection with the violence.
From resorting to lathi charge to suspending internet services in parts of Kolhapur, here are the 10 most significant changes we know so far.
01 How did it begin?
Kolhapur district police officials said a large number of people belonging to various right-wing organizations gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk in Kolhapur on Wednesday morning to protest against social media posts depicting an image of 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan and Mughal rule Aurangazeb. , accompanied by an objectionable slogan. While the outfit called for a rally in Kolhapur city, a protest was also held.
02 When did the protest turn violent?
According to Kolhapur District Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit, after the protest ended, “some miscreants resorted to stone pelting”. “We responded to the situation quickly as a significant number of police were deployed at the scene. We had to use force to control the crowd… We are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
03 Internet services suspended
Internet services have been suspended in Kolhapur till Thursday due to the protest, a senior police official told PTI.
04 SRPF deployed, bans in place
According to PTI, personnel of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have been deployed in Kohlapur and police were looking for additional policemen from Satara. Until June 19, prohibitory orders were issued prohibiting gatherings of five or more people.
05 Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde appeals for peace in Kolhapur
Maharashtra Chief Minister Éknáth Shinde called for calm and said that no one should take the law into their own hands. “Whoever takes the law into his own hands will not be spared. I am in contact with the local administration and have received the necessary instructions. The welfare of the common man is our highest priority,” Shinde said.
06 What Devendra Fadnavis said
The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, wondered if there was a link between political statements by some leaders about riot-like situations and the display of Aurangzeb’s photographs. “From where did so many Aurangzeb aulads (out of spring) come to Maharashtra at once. We will have to find out where the mushrooms grew in such large numbers,” he said.
“The first opposition leaders made a statement that there would be riots in the state. And some individuals representing a particular community immediately react by giving up photos of Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultans in several districts. What is the reason for the sudden celebration of Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan? he added.
07 NCP chief Sharad Pawar claims that “religious colour” is given to small problems
Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar claimed that “religious colour” has been given to some small issues and ruling parties are supporting such things, which he said is cause for concern. “Recently we heard about Ahmednagar. Today I saw the news from Kolhapur. People took to the roads and giving a religious color to a small incident over the phone is not a good sign. The ruling parties support such things.” ” he claimed.
08 Stones thrown in Ahmednagar district
In Sangamner in Ahmednagar district, stones were pelted during a Sakal Hindu Samaj rally two days ago in response to the alleged murder of a boy. In the accident, two people were injured and five vehicles were damaged.
09 Maharashtra Minister holds meeting with civil society groups
Soon after the violence, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar met several social organizations in Kolhapur. Kesarkar, who is also the guardian minister of Kolhapur district, appealed to the locals to maintain peace.
“During the meeting, we took an oath to follow the path shown by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. A positive picture emerged in the meeting and it will show direction to the entire state,” Kesarkar told reporters after the meeting. This was reported by news agency PTI.
10 Nasty slogans raised in Ahmednagar
On Tuesday, the Kolhapur police launched an investigation into the social media reports. The same objectionable slogan was chanted along with a poster of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb during a procession held two days ago in Ahmednagar district. The incident was reported during the Ursa procession of Dam Bara Hazari Baba dargah in Fakirwada area of Ahmednagar around 9:15 pm on June 4.
11 Maharashtra police are investigating the issue
The exact cause of the communal clashes in Sangamner, Akola, Kolhapur and Dhule is still unknown and is still being investigated by the police. Kolhapur clashes: Here’s what we know so far about communal violence | Best points
