Riots erupted in various areas of Kolhapur, Maharashtra following a viral WhatsApp status and posters hailing Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. The clash occurred between two groups, one of which was associated with a Hindutva organization.
On Wednesday, a clash erupted in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, allegedly due to objectionable social media posts about Aurangzeb, leading the police to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has appealed for peace in the region.
In a bid to disperse a mob that expressed their disapproval of the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s picture and an “offensive” audio clip as a social media status by certain individuals in the vicinity, the police had to employ force as a measure.
Following the outbreak of tension in the city due to the alleged posting of objectionable content related to Aurangzeb, organizations called for a bandh (shutdown) and protests.
The dispute originated from the display of Aurangzeb’s photo on the WhatsApp status of certain individuals in the city. Members of a Hindutva group took to the streets to protest against what they perceived as an insult.
The protest grew in size, escalating tensions and resulting in clashes. To gain control over the situation, the police resorted to lathi charges to disperse the protesters. According to recent reports, more than 30 people have been detained in connection with the clashes.
How it started
According to media reports, a communal clash broke out in the city on June 6 due to social media posts shared by a few Muslim youths, which praised Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. These posts created a tense atmosphere in the city.
In response to the posters, Hindutva organizations organized a protest on Wednesday, urging demonstrators to gather near Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk and Mahapalika Chowk. Unfortunately, the protest quickly turned violent, with reports of stone pelting directed at police vans.
According to Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit, a complaint was lodged in Kolhapur regarding an objectionable social media post. As a result, two offences were registered, and five individuals were detained.
A mob assembled outside Laxmipuri Police Station, demanding legal action to be taken against the detainees involved in the incident. However, during their return, some miscreants threw stones, leading to another offence being registered at Laxmipuri Police Station.
Pandit further stated that some organizations had called for a “Kolhapur bandh” (shutdown) on that day, and the protesters had assembled at a specific location. When their agitation concluded and they started to disperse, some miscreants once again resorted to stone-pelting, similar to the previous day.
Consequently, legal action has been initiated against them. The mob has dispersed, and the police have been deployed throughout the area. The situation is currently under control.
In response to the attacks by certain mobs, the police resorted to mild caning and used tear gas. The mobs had attacked security forces, pelted stones, overturned vehicles, and compelled local shopkeepers to close their shops. The police were observed chasing the protesters, using canes to control one group, and subsequently apprehending and detaining several individuals involved in the mob violence.
Shinde and Fadnavis respondÂ
CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra are proactively observing the state of affairs in Kolhapur. Security has been enhanced in the town, and the local administration has been directed to take necessary measures to regain control and restore peace as a top priority.
In response to the incidents, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that the government must uphold law and order in the state. He also appealed to the public to maintain peace and calm during this time. A police investigation is currently underway, and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible for the disturbances.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the ongoing clashes in Kolhapur and acknowledged the concerns raised by the public. He assured that any mistakes made would be rectified. Fadnavis expressed the government’s disapproval of the sudden glorification of historical figures like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan in different districts.
He emphasized that such glorification is not acceptable. Fadnavis also mentioned that the government is aware of attempts by the opposition to incite conflicts. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine how the glorification of Aurangzeb came about.
