- Friday, April 19, 2024
The outfits alleged that the posts were aimed at glorifying the two Muslim rulers and called for a shutdown.
By: Shubham Ghosh
The city of Kolhapur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Wednesday (7) witnessed violence after some Hindu outfits staged protests over controversial social media posts on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Muslim king Tipu Sultan, official sources said.
The outfits alleged that the posts were aimed at glorifying the two Muslim rulers and called for a shutdown.
VIDEO | "We will find those responsible for maligning the image of Maharashtra and causing law and order problems. The situation is under control. I urge people not to take law in their hands," says Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Kolhapur clashes. pic.twitter.com/l3AIdVCJBY
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 7, 2023
Police personnel resorted to baton charge when the protesters ransacked some shops and vehicles at Kolhapur’s Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, seeking strict action against those who made the posts. The law-keepers used force to disperse the protesters. There were also reports of clashes between two groups from other parts of the city as well.
Kolhapur’s superintendent of police Mahendra Palit said some organisations called for strike in the city and their members assembled at the chowk area on Wednesday. He said there were also instances of people pelting stones, forcing the police to retaliate.
Eknath Shinde, the chief minister of Maharashtra, who runs a coalition government with the backing of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), appealed for peace and said he was in contact with senior police officers.
“Investigation is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty,” the chief minister said.
Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP, who also holds the home portfolio, was also monitoring the situation, officials said.
“There is no forgiveness in Maharashtra for those who praise Aurangzeb. Police are also taking action. At the same time, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that peace is maintained,” Fadnavis said, according to NDTV.
Security was tightened in Kolhapur to avoid any untoward incident, police said.
