Journalism of Courage
Daily life came to a halt after a state-wide bandh was called by Dalit groups on Wednesday in protest against the violent clashes between the Dalit and Maratha community, which broke out during the Bhima Koregaon battle anniversary on January 1. (Express Photo by Prashant Nadkar)
The members of the Dalit community on Tuesday took to the streets in protest of the violence on January 1. State buses were vandalised and torched up. A report in The Indian Express said that at least 11 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and the Pune Municipal Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) were damaged. (Express Photo by Vignesh Krishnamoorthy)
Additional forces of the Maharashtra police has been kept on standby today, as Dalit leaders have called for a state-wide bandh. In some areas, internet services may be suspended to curb rumours from spreading through social media. The police may invoke prohibitory orders if needed. (Express Photo by Prashant Nadkar)
Taking note of the violence, state CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced Rs 10 lakh as compensation for the kin of the youth — identified as Rahul Phatangade — who was killed on Monday. He also ordered for a judicial probe 'by a sitting judge'. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)
Since Monday night, over 100 people have been detained by the Mumbai Police in connection with the protests in the city.(Express Photo by Prashant Nadkar)
Asking the people to refrain from believing or spreading rumours, Mumbai Police issued an advisory, which stated, "Don’t believe or spread rumors, continue with your routine activities. Police administration is geared up to deal with any untoward situation." (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)
Protestors are staging a rasta rokho (block the route) protest in parts of the city, including Thane, Goregaon and Virar. There is heavy deployment of police in the city, to ensure the situation remains calm. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)
In Parliament, MPs of several parties have issued adjournment motions over the Bhima Koregaon violence. In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has issues notice under Rule 56, while in the Rajya Sabha, MP Rajni Patel has moved it under Rule 267. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)
The Mumbai police restrain protestors outside Atria Mall (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)
Meanwhile in Pune, Dalit groups are marching from Mula Road on the Pune-Mumbai highway towards the residence of Milind Ekbote, 60, of Samast Hindu Aghadi. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)
NCP chief Sharad Pawar commenting on the violence said, "I am told that some outsider, right-wing elements are instrumental in provoking violence. Dalits have been visiting Bhima Koregaon for years, (but) there was never any trouble." (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)
Union minister for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale reacting to the violence said, "Nobody should take the support of Dalits for granted. At present, we support the Narendra Modi government. But if any organisation is trying to foment trouble, Dalits will not stay silent." (Express Photo by Sandeep Daundkar)
At least 13 BEST buses have been damaged due to stone-pelting. (Express Photo by Sandeep Daundkar)
Dalit group's protest at Dattawadi Express. (Express Photo by Sandeep Daundkar)
Transport has taken a hit in Mumbai and other parts of the state as Dalit protestors hold ‘rasta rokho’ demonstrations today. (Express Photo by Sandeep Daundkar)
