Right-wing fringe elements storm Dargah, hoist saffron flag in Maharashtra

Rahuri in Maharashtra witnessed communal tensions on Wednesday, March 26, after a mob stormed the Hazrat Ahmed Chishti Dargah, removed its green flag, and hoisted a saffron flag in its place, while police reportedly remained passive.

A video circulating on social media captured the mob forcibly entering the dargah, chanting “Jai Shree Ram” as they replaced the flag, while some individuals clapped and cheered.

The unrest erupted earlier that day after images showing black paint smeared on a statue of Shivaji Maharaj near Buwasind Baba Talim surfaced online, leading to protests and drawing large crowds.

As tensions escalated, the violence spread beyond the dargah, with reports of stone pelting near a mosque and targeted attacks on Muslim homes.

According to local residents, the mob not only vandalised the dargah but also shouted offensive slogans and threw stones at homes while police officers stood by without intervening.

Despite the deployment of additional security forces, no arrests have been made in connection with the attack on the dargah or the subsequent violence. Residents have expressed fear and frustration over the inaction of the authorities, while the police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the events.