Violent protests in Maharashtra’s Parbhani over damage to Constitution replica

A structure set on fire during protests which continued for the second day over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution, in Parbhani, Maharashtra. (PTI Photo)

Inspector General Shahaji Umap said that on Tuesday, a person named Sopan Pawar damaged the replica of the Constitution and was beaten up by locals and handed over to the police. There was also minor stone-pelting on trucks on Tuesday by protesting crowds led by local Ambedkarite activists.

“During questioning we found that the accused was suffering from some mental ailments and was being treated by two doctors,” Umap said. The locals, however, demanded that he be hanged.

Damaged vehicles after violent protests took place for the second day over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution. (PTI Photo)

The police said nearly 400 protesters led by Vijay Wakode, vice president of Republican Sena led by Anandraj Ambedkar, grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar, reached the Collector’s office. Around 1 pm, the protesters started pelting stones and the situation soon turned violent.

Umap said CCTV cameras and shop hoardings were damaged in stone-pelting while windows of two four-wheelers were damaged. Nearly 15–16 two-wheelers were pushed into a roadside drain. PVC pipes outside a shop were set ablaze. As the mob became violent, police fired teargas shells and dispersed them.

Agitators during a protest which continued for the second day over alleged vandalizing of a replica of the Indian Constitution. (PTI Photo)

Prohibitory orders were imposed in the city, banning the gathering of five or more persons in public places, and a company of the State Reserve Police Force has been called in to help maintain law and order, said a senior official.

Bandh was also observed in the Vasmat area of the district, officials said. Protesters blocked the railway tracks at Parbhani station on Tuesday evening and roughed up the loco-pilot of the Nandigram Express.

Umap said, “We have registered an FIR on charges of rioting and obstructing public servants from performing their duties. We have also added sections of the criminal amendment Act related to damage to public property. Nearly 50 people have been taken into custody. Those named as accused include Anandraj Ambedkar, Wakode and former mayor Ravindra Sonkamble.”

A structure set on fire during protests which continued for the second day over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution. (PTI Photo)

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale demanded a thorough investigation followed by strict action in the matter. “The incident has hurt the sentiments of Ambedkarites. It is a serious offence which has to be addressed immediately,” he said. However, he appealed to people to restrain from any violence and ensure communal harmony.

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar said, “What happened is unfortunate. We don’t rule out a political angle in the incident. The state government should deal with the incident firmly and take necessary action against those who have orchestrated the incident.”

“It is my ardent appeal to people to avoid expressing their anger through violence. They should not become the victims of politics,” he added.

Security personnel keep vigil after violent protests took place for the second day over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution. (PTI Photo)

Varsha Gaikwad, Ambedkarite leader and Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai, demanded a thorough investigation. “How can anyone insult the Constitution… those arrested should be thoroughly questioned to find who is the mastermind,” she said.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar blamed the initial “lax approach” of the government and local administration. Had necessary action been taken promptly, the violence could have been avoided, he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said desecration of the Constitution’s replica was condemnable. Demanding strict action against the culprits, he also appealed to the protesters to conduct their agitation peacefully.