Kolhapur city witnessed a violent clash between two groups of which one is affiliated with Hindutva organisations. The dispute arose over the display of Aurangzeb's photo on some people's WhatsApp status in the city. Members of a Hindutva group took to the streets, raising their voices against the perceived insult on Wednesday and the large gathering on the streets escalated the agitation, leading to clashes. The situation further deteriorated when the police resorted to lathi-charges to control the protesters seeking to disperse them. Latest reports suggest over 30 people detained following the clashes.
Intensified Social Media Posts Trigger Tension in Kolhapur
Controversial post on social media hailing Aurangzeb sparked the communal tension in Kolhapur on Tuesday, June 6. Following that clashes broke out between two communities.
Subsequently, the Hindutva organisations had called for protests on Wednesday and the demonstrators had gathered around Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk and Mahapalika Chowk in the city.
The protests not only remained confined to the streets but also witnessed instances of stone-pelting. They hurled stones at police vehicles as well. Consequently, the agitation escalated on a larger scale. As the situation went out of control, the police had to resort to lathi-charges against the protesters to regain control.
Youth Involved in Clashes and Rising Tension in Kolhapur
Several young individuals in Kolhapur uploaded objectionable status and lavished praises on Aurangzeb. Two groups confronted each other, with incidents of stone-pelting occurring in the second square of the city, Town Hall, and the Laxmipuri area.
Due to the heightened incidents and to ensure law and order, the police deployed a significant force at the site of the incident. However, the escalated situation resulted in the police resorting to lathi-charges to restore order.
Deputy CM on Glorification of Aurangzeb
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also commented on the ongoing clashes in Kolhapur. He stated, "We understand the concerns raised. The mistakes made will be rectified. The sudden glorification of Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan, or any other historical figures in various districts is not acceptable to us. It is clear to us. There have been attempts from the opposition to create conflicts. We will investigate how the glorification of Aurangzeb has occurred."
CM Eknath Shinde Says Accused Will Be Duly Punished
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reacting to the incidentssaid, "It's the government's responsibility to maintain law and order in the state. I also appeal to the public for peace and calm. Police investigation is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty."
Kolhapur SP: Situation Under Control
Speaking about the communal clash in the city, Kolhapur SP Mahendra Pandit told news agency ANI that they had received a complaint about objectionable status and accordingly they registered two offences and detained five.
"A mob had gathered outside Laxmipuri PS demanding legal action against them. When it was returning, some miscreants pelted stones and an offence registered against that too at Laxmipuri PS," he said.
Furthermore, elucidating on the law and order situation today, he said, "Some organisations had given a call for 'Kolhapur bandh' today and they had gathered at a location. When their agitation concluded and they were returning, some miscreants pelted stones like yesterday. So, we have initiated legal action against them. Mob has dispersed. Police deployed everywhere. Situation is under control."
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