Kolhapur: Tension erupted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district as police clashed with an unruly mob pelting stones during a bandh organized by pro-Hindutva outfits. The bandh was called to demand action against objectionable social media posts.
According to Kolhapur district police officials, a large number of individuals representing various right-wing organizations gathered at Kolhapur's Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk on Wednesday morning. While the bandh was underway in the city, a simultaneous protest took place.
Authorities are currently assessing the extent of damage caused and checking for any injuries resulting from the violence.
The incident's roots can be traced back to the Kolhapur police's investigation into objectionable social media posts featuring an image of 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan accompanied by a derogatory slogan. A similar incident took place during a procession in Ahmednagar district, where an objectionable slogan was chanted alongside a poster of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb during a Urs procession of Dam Bara Hazari Baba dargah in the Fakirwada area on June 4.
The Kolhapur police's probe into the social media posts likely escalated tensions, leading to the bandh and subsequent violence. Authorities are making efforts to identify the instigators of violence, and appropriate action will be taken against them.
As the situation remains volatile, the local administration is urging citizens to exercise restraint and refrain from activities that could further escalate tensions.