Mumbai protests: Over 30 cops injured, 300 detained
MUMBAI: Over 30 policemen sustained injuries in the city on Wednesday during the protest called by various Dalit groups, a senior police official said on Thursday.
Most of the injuries were a result of stones pelted on police personnel, said an official.
He added that Powai and Govandi in the north-eastern part of the city saw the maximum number of cases with 11 policemen sustaining injuries in areas around Powai.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sahaji Umap of Zone VI said that 11 personnel were injured in Govandi and adjoining areas.
Police officials said that 16 First Information Reports (FIR) had been registered under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act, the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and the Indian Penal Code.
An official said that more than 300 people had been detained as part of the investigations into the incidents that occurred during the protests. The bandh was called on Wednesday following violence in Pune district on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa’s army.
Members of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had asked the members to help bring the situation under control and not say anything which may escalate tension.
The House, which had witnessed disruption of proceedings over the issue on Wednesday, held a brief discussion when several members appealed for peace and unity among the various sections of the society.
Meanwhile, police on Thursday denied permission to a summit scheduled to be addressed by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid and detained students gathered outside a hall here for the event.
A police official said the number of students and activists detained was not yet available.
In a related development, the Pune Police registered an FIR against Mevani and Khalid for their alleged “provocative” speeches at an event in Pune on December 31.
NEW DELHI: Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits.
The House, which had witnessed disruption of proceedings over the issue yesterday, on Thursday held a brief discussi on when several members appealed for peace and unity among the various sections of the society.
Initiating the discussion, Rajani Patil of the Congress alleged that atrocities against Dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire incident.
She also alleged that people behind the violence were associated with “Hinduwadi” outfits and demanded action against them.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had asked the members to help bring the situation under control and not say anything which may escalate tension.
“Our approach should be to see that tempers come down and situation is brought back to normalcy. We should not accelerate the tension. After all, it is a social conflict,” he said.
A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the country should concentrate on development instead of caste and religious issues.
Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the Maharashtra matter is not an isolated incident and a pattern is emerging. “This political lynching should immediately stop,” he said while demanding an impartial judicial inquiry.
Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) demanded immediate action those involved in the violence against dalits. CPI-M leader T K Rangarajan alleged “tactical” support of the Maharasthra administration, ruling party and the police for the incident.
He said an inquiry into the incident should be conducted by a sitting Supreme Court judge. Veer Singh (BSP) blamed “bhagwa jhandadhari” (saffron flag bearers) for the violence and seconded the demand of Rangarajan for a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the apex court.
NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House about the history of the Bhima- Koregaon event and the sentiments of dalits associated with it.
The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years, no violent incident has taken place, but this time, unfortunately stone-pelting was done on a massive gathering.
Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune and asked people to forget the incident and move one.
He suggested that everyone should cooperate to bring about peace and harmony among the different sections of the society, amid thumping of desks by members of both ruling and opposition parties.
DMK member Kanimozhi said the violence should not be looked as an “isolated incident” and efforts should be made to find a “long-term solution” for safety and security of dalits.
BJP’S alliance partner Shiv Sena too termed the incident as unfortunate and appreciated the state government’s “patience” in dealing with the situation.
Sanjay Raut (SS) said all such incidents should be not linked with Hindu organisations and alleged that an “invisible hand” is working to divide and rule the socity.
D Raja (CPI), Ramdas Athavale (RPI), Amanr Shankar (BJP), B S Bhunder (SAD) and Sambaji Chhatrapati (BJP) also expressed their views.
Yesterday, protesters had attacked buses, stopped trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.
Violence had erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the BhimaKoregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.