Kolhapur clashes: How it started, what has happened so far | Top points

Here are the top 10 developments we know so far.

1. 01

   How did it start?

   Kolhapur district police officials said that a large number of people belonging to various right-wing organisations had gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk in Kolhapur on Wednesday morning to protest against social media posts showing an image of 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan and Mughal rules Aurangazeb, accompanied by an objectionable slogan. While the outfits had called for a bandh in Kolhapur city, a protest was also held.

2. 02

   When did the protest turn violent?

   According to Kolhapur District Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit, after the protest was over, "some miscreants resorted to stone pelting". "We responded to this situation quickly because significant police deployment had been made at the spot. We had to use force to control the mob…We are closely monitoring the situation," he said.

3. 03

   Internet services suspended

   In view of the protest, internet services have been suspended till Thursday in Kolhapur, a senior police official told news agency PTI.

4. 04

   SRPF deployed, prohibitory orders in place

   According to PTI, personnel from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have been deployed in Kohlapur and the police have sought more cops from Satara. Prohibitory orders have been issued till June 19 banning the assembly of five or more persons.

5. 05

   Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde appeals for peace in Kolhapur

   Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appealed for calm and said nobody should take law into their hands. “Anyone taking law into their hands will not be spared. I am in touch with the local administration, and necessary directives have been given. Welfare of the common man is our topmost priority,” Shinde said.

6. 06

   What Devendra Fadnavis said

   Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the home ministry portfolio, wondered whether there is a link between political statements given by some leaders on riot-like situations and the display of Aurangzeb's photos. “Suddenly from where have so many Aurangzeb’s aulad (off spring) arrived in Maharashtra. We will have to find out from where have they mushroomed in such large numbers," he said.

   “First opposition leaders make a statement saying there will be riots in the state. And immediately some individuals representing a particular community respond by waiving Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultans photos in several districts. What is the reason for the sudden glorification of Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan?” he added.

7. 07

   NCP chief Sharad Pawar claims 'religious colour' given to small issues

   Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar claimed "religious colour" was being given to some small issues and the ruling parties are encouraging such things, which he said is a cause of concern. "Recently we heard about Ahmednagar. Today, I saw news from Kolhapur. People came out on roads, and giving religious colour to a small incident of sending a message over the phone is not a good sign. The ruling parties are encouraging such things," he alleged.

8. 08

   Stones hurled in Ahmednagar district

   At Sangamner in Ahmednagar district, stones were hurled during a rally of Sakal Hindu Samaj two days back in response to the alleged murder of a boy. Two persons were injured and five vehicles were damaged during the incident.

9. 09

   Maharashtra minister holds meeting with civil society groups

   Soon after the violence, Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar held a meeting with several social organisations in Kolhapur. Kesarkar, who is also Kolhapur district guardian minister, has urged local residents to maintain peace.

   "During the meeting, we took an oath that we will follow the path as shown by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. A positive picture emerged at the meeting and it will show direction to the entire state," Kesarkar told reporters after the meet, news agency PTI reported.

10. 10

    Objectionable slogans raised in Ahmednagar

    On Tuesday, the Kolhapur police launched a probe into social media messages. The same objectionable slogan was chanted along with a poster of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb during a procession held in Ahmednagar district two days ago. The incident was reported during a Urs procession of Dam Bara Hazari Baba Dargah in Fakirwada area of Ahmednagar around 9.15 pm on June 4.

11. 11

    Maharashtra police investigate issue

    The exact cause of communal clashes in Sangamner, Akola, Kolhapur, and Dhule is still unknown and police are still investigating it.

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