Beheaded Shivaji idol sparks riot in Nashik

An unannounced bandh was observed in Sinnar town. Incidents of stoning were also reported from Nashik Road area. The incident caused tension in Sinnar town, where three companies of SRP were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Several organisations including the Republican Party of India, the Shiv Sena and the BJP condemned the incident and appealed for peace. Thebust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj moulded in plaster of paris had beeninstalled in Kurne Galli of Sinnar town about five years ago. The bust andits surrounding area was being painted and beautified for the past two days. District superintendent of police Bhagwant More, who is camping in Sinnar, said the situation was tense but under control. Nashik MP Uttamrao Dhikale and Sena leader Babanrao Gholap visited the town and appealed for peace.

Leaders of Nationalist Congress Party, Congress, RPI andHindu organisationshave strongly condemned the incident and appealed to people to maintainpeace.