Violence, arson mark Maratha quota bandh
The pro-quota bandh called by some Maratha groups on Thursday was marked by sporadic violence and arson, disruption of road traffic and rallies in various parts of Maharashtra.
The day-long agitation began on a relatively peaceful note in the morning but turned violent in the afternoon.
Marathas, a politically influential community that constitutes around 30 per cent of the state’s population, have been demanding 16 per cent reservation in government jobs and education. Violence and arson was witnessed on Thursday despite the appeal by the Maratha community leaders for carrying out the protests in a peaceful manner.
The Maratha groups organised the bandh despite the assurance by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that his government was working on providing reservation in a legally sustainable manner.
Pune was one of the worst hit by the agitation, with a mob vandalising property at the district collectorate and violence being witnessed at some other places.
Authorities had ordered closure of schools and colleges and suspended internet services in Pune to prevent rumourmongering. Plants of many companies also remained shut.
“According to my information, the main gate of the administrative building and the security cabin's glass were damaged,” Collector Naval Kishor Ram said.
According to sources, the protesters also damaged some light bulbs in the premises.
Authorities had taken precautions to prevent any untoward incident and suspended internet services in seven tehsils of the district to check rumour-mongering.