‘LUCKILY WE SURVIVED’

MUMBAI: Hira Narawane, a resident of Ramabai Nagar in Ghatkopar, with a group of 60 people, had gone to Bhima Koregaon on January 1.

“It seemed like we wouldn’t come back alive, some people also tried to push vehicles in the valley. We are just lucky that we survived,” said Narawane.

Narawane recollected an incident in which many women were threatened with swords, attacked with stones, and things were set on fire, while there was no police protection.

Another resident, Nitin Gaikwad, said he came across Facebook posts inviting people to gather at Vadu Budruk, the village where the incident took place, alleging the attackers had a pre-planned motive.

The man who was killed near Bhima Koregaon was identified as Rahul Phatangale. The Morcha sought ₹25 lakh compensation to the next of kin and action against those who killed him.

“We seek action against those who indulged in violence and caused heavy losses to villagers in Bhima Koregaon,” he said.

Kunjir said a joint meeting of Dalit and Maratha leaders will soon be called to defuse the tension.

Rajendra Kondhare, another member of Morcha, said, “The caste and religion of culprits should not influence the inquiry. Social media has been instrumental in spreading false information and escalating tension.”