MUMBAI:
As the clashes between dalit and Maratha communities turned violent, several schools and colleges were shut in Mumbai as a precautionary measure on Tuesday. Mumbai’s Harbour Line was also blocked by protesters.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima Koregaon incident. He has also ordered a CID inquiry into the death of a youth and will provide an assistance of Rs 10 lakh to his kin. Fadnavis also said that strict action will be taken against all those who are spreading rumours and trying to invoke violence.
The incident occurred a day after one person died when clashes broke out between villagers from Koregaon Bhima, Pabal and Shikrapur and a large group of people celebrating the January 1, 1818, victory of British troops over Peshwa Bajirao II’s army in Koregaon Bhima. Twenty five vehicles were also torched and over 50 vehicles were damaged.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community — then considered untouchable — were part of the East India Company’s forces.
The Harbour Line was affected due to ‘Rail Roko’ near Govandi-Chembur. Chembur is a railway station on the Harbour Line of the Mumbai suburban railway network. Ramadai Highway also witnessed jam due to the protests.
Protesters also attempted ‘Raasta Roko’ in Mulund, Chembur, Bhandup, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Nehru Nagar in Kurla. In Chembur and Mulund , protesters are forcing shop owners to close their shops.
