*The
Bhima Koregaon battle saw the forces of the
East India Company defeat Peshwa Bajirao II's army, on January 1, 1818
*An obelisk, that the British erected in remembrance of the battle, has become an important symbol of Dalit assertion. Thousands of Dalits pay respects to the memorial every year
*Some Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - were part of the winning force. However, some right-wing groups in Pune had expressed opposition to the celebration
*
Violence erupted in Pune+
after an argument between locals and those on their way to the war memorial
*Atleast one died and three others were left injured in the ensuing clashes between villagers from Koregaon Bhima, Pabal and Shikrapur and a large group commemorating the battle
*25 vehicles were torched and over 50 were damaged in stone pelting
*The police stopped traffic on the
Pune-Ahmednagar highway for some time following the incident. Presently, all bus services from Pune to Ahmednagar have resumed, reported ANI
*The
Mumbai Police clarified that Section 144 had not been imposed in Chembur or other parts of the eastern suburbs
*More than 100 people were detained over different locations, Mumbai Police said
(With inputs from agencies)
Policemen stand on guard after violence broke out during celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Bat... Read More
