Koregaon Bhima battle anniversary: Security tightened at Jaystambh for Jan 1 event

A section of Dalits, mainly Ambedkarites, believe the British Army comprising 500 soldiers from the Mahar community defeated a 28,000–strong force of upper caste Peshwas, in this battle. Lakhs of Ambedkarites visit the Jaystambh, which is situated in Perne village near Koregaon Bhima, on January 1, which they call Shaurya Din (victory day) to pay tribute to soldiers who they believe fought a war for freedom against the alleged casteism of Peshwas.

The annual event is considered to be a tricky affair, as violence was reported in Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 2018, which led to the death of one person and left several others injured. As a precaution, Pune district administration has planned a large deployment of policemen and other facilities to ensure a peaceful gathering.

Pune district collector Rajesh Deshmukh, Commissioner of Pune city police Retesh Kumaarr, Superintendent of Pune rural police Ankit Goyal and other officials are monitoring the security and civic arrangements closely.

About 5,000 policemen including State Reserve Police Force battalions as well as bomb detection and disposal squads will also be deployed at Jaystambh and areas around Koregaon Bhima and Vadhu Budruk villages to maintain law and order during the January 1 event.

To keep a watch on suspicious activities in the area, police will use drones and CCTV cameras. Police and government officials have also held meetings with different sections of society in the region to ensure peace is not disturbed.

As a precaution, police have issued notices to a number of people including activists of different groups, local villagers and others, who were booked in different cases regarding the Koregaon Bhima violence, asking them to stay out of the region on the day of the event.