Towns and cities in Maharashtra were on the edge as protests against Pune's violence on Monday reached Mumbai. Dalit agitators damaged numerous buses and disrupted road and rail traffic. Clashes broke out between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindu organisations during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle. Over 160 buses were damaged in Mumbai by rampaging protesters over 100 of whom have been detained.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the Bombay High Court, and appealed for calm. He said a Rs 10,00,000 compensation would be given to the kin of the one man who was killed in the violence. Also, his death would be probed by the CID. Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader, and grandson of BR Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar called for a 'Maharashtra Bandh' to protest against the government's “failure” to stop the riots.
It all began when dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle which was won by the forces of the British East India Company, over those belonging to the Peshwa. Dalit leaders commemorated the British victory as their soldiers included those from the Mahar community, then considered untouchables. The Peshwas were Brahmins. Victory of the dalits was seen as an assertiveness of the community.
Protesters disrupted road traffic, and local train services on the Harbour Line. They blocked roads in several areas, forced shops to shut down and also attacked a journalist. Demonstrations were held in Chembur, Vikhroli, Mankhurd, and Govandi. Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan condemned the violence and urged people not to believe in rumours. He said antisocial elements were trying to create tensions between dalits and Maratha communities.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar blamed the administration for the violence and demanded a probe into the incident. Appealing for peace, Pawar said such situations need to be defused patiently by those in political and social spheres without any provocative speeches being made. "Since the administration did not take precautions, rumours and misunderstanding spread. A youth in Nanded died unfortunately. People from political and social field should defuse the situation harmoniously and patiently without making provocative speeches," the former Union minister said.
