Day 2 of violence in Jalna: Ajit Pawar says panel to probe

Friday had witnessed stone pelting by protesters and lathi charge and use of teargas by the police, which left several people, including more than 60 personnel, injured. On Saturday, major cities such as Solapur, Nanded, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Nagpur also saw protests.

In Jalna, the city was at a standstill as bands of youth shouted slogans against the state government and the Maharashtra Police.

At least seven FIRs have so far been registered by the police against the protesters on charges such as assaulting policemen, rioting, damaging public and private property. “We have arrested 40 people so far. Curfew has not been imposed yet but we are contemplating,” said Tushar Doshi, Superintendent of Police, Jalna.

Another police officer said additional forces have been called in from neighbouring districts and three SRPF companies have been deployed to control the situation. “The law and order situation has mainly erupted in Jalna and its bordering areas, between Jalna and Beed. At least 63 police personnel, including women, have sustained injuries. The situation is tense but everything is under control,” said a senior officer from the state police department. “There were protests related to Maratha reservation in other parts of the state as well, but those were peaceful.”

With indiscriminate stone pelting in Jalna’s Ambad and Indewadi areas, many shopkeepers kept their stores shut and residents too refrained from venturing outside. The streets were littered with stones, reflecting what had transpired over the past two days.

Sharad Pawar visited Jalna on Saturday, where he said: “The Eknath Shinde government did not keep its word so the agitation started. But an attempt was made to crush the movement using force. The police fired in the air and chased away the protesters. A large number of police arrived at the protest site. One side continued the discussion while the other side attacked with sticks. My advice to the agitators is to continue the agitation peacefully as there is an attempt to defame it.”

In a statement, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said: “We have given directions to set up a high level committee and ordered strict action against police officers who resorted to lathi charge, aerial firing of bullets, and misuse of force against protesters who were seeking Maratha reservation. The feelings of all the people of Maharashtra, including the Maratha brothers, are strong regarding this incident. The state government also agrees with these sentiments and the government has taken serious note of this matter.”

He also appealed to protesters to refrain from violence, stating that there were reports of public property being damaged in various parts of the state.

Chief Minister Shinde also made an appeal for peace. “I request the Maratha community to maintain peace and to not take law into their hands. The Maratha youth should beware of those trying to gain political benefits out of this situation,” said Shinde, adding that the government had held meetings with the protesters and their demands were under consideration.

“Despite that, the agitation was continuing and the health of protesters was deteriorating, so the district collector and superintendent of police went there to convince (Maratha leader) Jarange Patil to get admitted to the hospital. The unfortunate incident took place then,” he said.