New Delhi: Riots followed in several parts of Maharashtra‘s Kolhapur allegedly when several posters hailing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb were put up across the city. The clash broke out bewteen two groups; one was affilliated with Hindutva organisation.
Reportedly, the Hindu group members percieved the act as an insult and came down to the roads to protest against the posters on Wednesday. The situation deteriorated in the city afterwards, which made the police to resort to lathi-charge in order take control over the outraged crowd.
Social Media posts hailing Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan
As per the media reports, the communal clash errupted following some social media posts uploaded by a few Muslim youths. The posts hailed Mughal emperors like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. This caused an atmosphere of tension in the city on June 6.
In opposition of the posters, the Hindutava organisations called for a protest on Wednesday and asked the demonstrators to gather at around Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk and Mahapalika Chowk in the city.
However, the protest turned violent in no time with the incidents of stone pelting at police vans were reported.
CM Shinde and Deputy Fadnavis responds
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis has urged people to maintain law and order in the city, while the police take the legal action against the culprits.
The Deputy CM has also instructed the Home Department to take strict action against the culprits.
#WATCH | It's the government's responsibility to maintain law and order in the state. I also appeal to the public for peace and calm. Police investigation is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Kolhapur incident pic.twitter.com/bzGBKXjkqT
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023
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 the people should also maintain peace, no untoward incident happens anywhere: Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra… pic.twitter.com/laJPqVFZvW
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023
