Pune cops nab 28 more after violence

The Pune district police arrested 28 more people between Monday and Tuesday, including three minors, in connection with the January 1 caste clashes that broke out in and around Bhima Koregaon village in which a youth was killed. The police had earlier arrested 15 persons in connection with the incident. The violence occurred during the bicentennial event to commemorate the Bhima Koregaon battle in which British imperial forces comprising dalits had defeated the Maratha army of the Peshwa.

“On Monday, we arrested 12 people, including three minors and on Tuesday we arrested 16, for allegedly vandalising vehicles on road in villages adjoining Bhima Koregaon. Those arrested are from both the communities ( dalit and Maratha). We are studying CCTV footage to check their activity and how this violence exactly occurred,” said Pune district superintendent of police Suvez Haque.

During the violence, Rahul Fantangale ( 28) was killed near Sanaswadi.

“We are investigating Fantangale’s death. We will get details of the incident from those who have been arrested. We are on right track and will soon arrest some more people,” said an investigating officer.

The police has booked six members of the Kabir Kala Manch, a radical cultural group, for making “provocative” remarks during the Elgaar Parishad held at Shaniwarwada, Pune.