Maharashtra caste clashes: Several schools and colleges shut in Mumbai

MUMBAI: As the clashes between dalit and Maratha communities turned violent, several schools and colleges were shut in Mumbai as a precautionary measure on Tuesday. Mumbai's Harbour Line was also blocked by protesters.
Live blog: Protests turn violent in Mumbai

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima Koregaon incident. He has also ordered a CID inquiry into the death of a youth and will provide an assistance of Rs 10 lakh to his kin. Fadnavis also said that strict action will be taken against all those who are spreading rumours and trying to invoke violence.

Special train services are being run on Harbour line between CSMT-Kurla and Mankhurd and all other services on Central Railway are now running normally, reported ANI.

The incident occurred a day after one person died when clashes broke out between villagers from Koregaon Bhima, Pabal and Shikrapur and a large group of people celebrating the January 1, 1818, victory of British troops over Peshwa Bajirao II's army in Koregaon Bhima. Twenty five vehicles were also torched and over 50 vehicles were damaged.

Also read: One dies in caste clash over 200-year-old battle in Maharashtra

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community -- then considered untouchable -- were part of the East India Company's forces.



Also read: Violence mars Bhima-Koregaon battle anniversary event

The Harbour Line was affected due to 'Rail Roko' near Govandi-Chembur. Chembur is a railway station on the Harbour Line of the Mumbai suburban railway network. Ramadai Highway also witnessed jam due to the protests.


Protesters also attempted 'Raasta Roko' in Mulund, Chembur, Bhandup, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Nehru Nagar in Kurla. In Chembur and Mulund , protesters are forcing shop owners to close their shops.






Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar blamed the administration for the violence and demanded a probe into the incident. Appealing for peace, Pawar said such situations need to be defused patiently by those in political and social spheres without any provocative speeches being made.

"Since the administration did not take precautions, rumours and misunderstanding spread. A youth in Nanded died unfortunately. People from political and social field should defuse the situation harmoniously and patiently without making provocative speeches," the former Union minister appealed.

Pawar noted that locals in Vadhu village said that right-wing groups in Pune were making proactive speeches against the event three to four days prior to it.

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said the violence was unfortunate and condemnable. "I had apprised the chief minister about taking adequate precautions. More care should have been taken. There should be a judicial probe into the incidents of violence. All sections of the society should unitedly and peacefully foil attempts of anti-social elements," Munde tweeted.