Communal tensions Rise in Maharashtra: Bandh called by Hindu group over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and Muslim counter-protests lead to clashes
This was compounded by counter-protests by Muslim groups in response to what they claimed were derogatory remarks against Islam made by Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, a prominent Hindu religious leader.
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Communal tensions were reported in several districts of Maharashtra, including Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jal-gaon and Ahmednagar on Friday. The unrest was ignited by a bandh organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj to protest alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
This was compounded by counter-protests by Muslim groups in response to what they claimed were derogatory remarks against Islam made by Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, a prominent Hindu religious leader. According to reports, six police personnel were injured in the unrest.
In Nashik and Jalgaon, the Sakal Hindu Samaj’s bandh led to widespread closure of shops. In Jalgaon, a moped bike showroom was reportedly targeted by individuals participating in the protest march. In Nashik, the situation worsened after local Muslims held protests against Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, who had made objectionable comments about Islam during an event in Sinnar earlier in the week.
The confrontation between the two sides escalated in Old Nashik area with stone-pelting. The police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. According to police, six policemen, including two inspectors and Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Bacchav, along with two civilians, were injured in the stone-pelting and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.Nashik Central BJP MLA Devyani Farande stated that the situation was under control and urged both communities to maintain peace. “No one should take the law into their hands. Maintain peace,” Farande said Friday evening.
A senior Maharashtra police officer noted that while there were rallies in various parts of the state and the main issues were in Nashik and Jalgaon. “In Nashik, the bike rally protesting the conditions of Hindus in Bangladesh coincided with Friday prayers, leading to stone-pelting. The fact that bikes were used made it harder to control the mobs,” the officer said.
The officer said that bike rallies were typically permitted for celebratory events and the reason for the Nashik Police Commissioner’s permission for a bike rally during a protest will be investigated. Police took necessary action to bring the situation under control.
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, protests by Muslim groups against Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj’s alleged statements led to heightened tensions. Similar protests occurred in Ahmednagar and Nashik districts, resulting in multiple FIRs being filed against the seer for offending religious sentiments.
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