The violence, which started after an argument and stone-throwing, soon spun out of control.
Pune: Dalits took to streets across Mumbai today against Monday's violence linked to a rally near Pune. Police in riot gear were seen deployed in parts of the financial capital as incidents of stone-pelting were reported from several areas. Traffic was hit on Eastern Express Highway near Mumbai and a protester who was trying to set himself on fire was saved just in time. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned people not to spread rumours on social media. He has also ordered a judicial inquiry into Monday's clash, in which a man died.
Here are the top 10 updates in this big story:
- Shops and business establishments were shut and a journalist was attacked as groups of youths from Chembur, Vikhroli, Mankhurd and Govandi joined the protest, the police said.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed for peace, saying Maharashtra is a progressive state which does not believe in casteist violence. He also warned that strict action will be taken against those who use social media to spread rumours.
- Announcing the inquiry into Monday's violence, Mr Fadnavis said a sitting judge will head the inquiry.
- Traffic came to a standstill this morning at the Eastern Express Highway in Mumbai, which re-opened after noon.
- In a tweet, the police said, "Don't believe in rumours. Traffic on Eastern expressway was affected due to protests. It's moving now. Traffic at Chembur Naka is still affected. There is nothing to panic. Verify facts with police officers and men before posting anything on social media."
- On Monday afternoon, groups of Dalits, who were on way to an event near Pune city to mark 200 years of the Bhima Koregaon battle, were attacked and their vehicles were damaged.
- The violence, which started after an argument and stone-throwing, soon spun out of control.
- A man, who the police said belonged to an upper caste, had died in the violence. Forty vehicles were damaged and less than half-a-dozen people were injured.
- The police had to block traffic on Pune-Ahmednagar highway to prevent the situation from escalating, shut down Internet services and restrict movement of people before the situation was brought under control.
- Dalits observe January 1 as "Vijay Diwas" to commemorate the battle fought in 1818, in which a Battalion of British East India Company comprising Dalits had defeated so-called upper-caste Peshwa soldiers.
