While the situation remains under control in Mumbai and adjacent areas, Section 144 has been imposed in Thane district till 4 January midnight as a precautionary measure. Schools and colleges in Maharashtra remain open and no holiday has been declared in the state.
Protesters in Thane, Virar and Goregaon tried to disrupt train services in the morning. However, the police was able to disperse them and re-start railway services. Nevertheless, BEST servies are not plying on certain routes across Mumbai.
Security has been tightened across Maharashtra ahead of the bandh called by the Dalit groups. According to CNN-News18, several troops of the Rapid Action Force have been deployed across Mumbai, especially in eastern suburbs like Chembur and Ghatkopar, which were badly affected by violence on Tuesday.
However, the CNN-News18 report added that the situation is currently normal in the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai. The Maharashtra government has urged citizens to not believe in any rumours of a holiday on Wedneday. Meanwhile, over 40,000 school buses will not ply on Mumbai roads on Wednesday fearing violence.
The state-wide bandh has been called by the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh and several other Dalit organisations on Wednesday to protest the state government's "failure" to stop the violence at Bhima Koregaon village in Pune district on Monday.
"We have made elaborate arrangements to keep the situation under control in view of the bandh. Extra forces have been kept on standby. Some areas have been identified where internet could be suspended so people cannot spread rumours on social media,” DGP Satish Mathur told The Indian Express.
Mumbai Traffic Police has also taken precautionary measures to ensure smooth flow of traffic. "All traffic personnel will be on their toes to ensure smooth flow of traffic, especially on the Eastern Express Highway," police officer told DNA.
File image of Prakash Ambedkar. CNN News18
Prakash Ambedkar had alleged that Hindu Ekta Aghadi was responsible for the violence.
He said Maharashtra Democratic Front, Maharashtra Left Front, besides 250 organisations, have supported Wednesday's shutdown.
Ambedkar, the grandson of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, has appealed for peace during the bandh period.
Referring to the caste clashes in Bhima Koregaon, Ambedkar ruled out any conflict between Marathas and Dalits.
"If there was any tension, the 200th anniversary commemoration of the Bhima Koregaon battle would not have taken place. The program was organised by Sambhaji Brigade (a Maratha organisation)," he said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai.
He alleged the trouble occurred because of Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan, headed by Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, respectively.
"Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Sabha (ABHS), Peshwa heirs, had opposed the event. We held talks with ABHS after which they decided against opposing," he said.
The event to mark 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune district, in which forces of the East India Company defeated Peshwa's army, was marred by incidents of violence on Monday, with at least one person was killed.
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.
Ambedkar alleged that villagers were provoked by the Shivraj Pratisthan while the Hindu Ekta Agadhi hurled stones at people going towards the Koregaon war memorial.
He demanded that various types of grants and subsidies being given by the government to villages along Koregaon, Shiroor and Chakan, be stopped.
Ambedkar said a judicial probe ordered by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis into the violence should be headed by chief justice of high court and not by a sitting judge.
The violence sparked off protests in various parts of Maharashtra on Tuesday, including in Mumbai where protesters staged a rail roko in suburban Chembur.
Published Date: Jan 03, 2018 10:15 am | Updated Date: Jan 03, 2018 10:24 am
Highlights
BEST buses not running on this route:
Kandivali- Akurli, Dindoshi-Hanuman Nagar, Chandivali-Sangharsh Nagar, Khairani Rd- Sakinaka, Sahar Cargo, Mulund Check Naka, Jijamata Nagar. Fortunately, there has been no stone pelting incidents in Mumbai so far.
Input from Sanjay Sawant
Pappu Yadav too gives adjournment motion in lok Sabha
ANI is reporting that Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) leader and Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over the caste violence in Maharashtra.
Now CPI too issues adjournment motion
CPI leader D Raja gives zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha over "increasing atrocities against Dalits", reports ANI.
After Naresh Agrawal, Congress issues adjournment motion in LS
Internet services suspended in Aurangabad
Life is as usual in most parts of Mumbai
Some autos and taxis were seen plying in various areas, but the famed Dabbawalas cancelled their services for the day. Many shops and establishments also opened for work as usual in the city and suburbs and there were the familiar crowds on roads and highways, reported IANS.
Naresh Agarwal issues adjournment motion on Bhima Koregaon violence
Protesters gathering at Ramabai Nagar in Goregaon
Visual from Kalyan's Nehru Chowk
Image courtesy: Omkar Patne
Parents frightned to send children, say schools
Trains running normally in Pune division
Bandh situation in Dadar
While the fish market in Dadar is shut for the day, the flower market, however, is bustling as usual.
Mob pelts stones on bus at Aurangabad
A mob pelted stones towards a private bus which was on educational tour in Aurangabad district. Around 40 students from Gagangiri Vidyalaya, Pandharpur tehsil, Solapur district were on board. A teacher and a student are injured in the incident. The incident occurred around 7 am today near Deogiri school, Daultabad fort, 13 km from Aurangabad.
Aarteeshymal Joshi/101Reporters
Video: Trains are delayed at Borivali station
Video courtesy: Hrushikesh Berde
Many schools shut in Thane
Western Railway affected too...
Trains are running late by at least 30 minutes from Borivali, an important junction on the Western Railway.
Input from Jay Mehta
Dalit activists protest in Thane's Teen Haath Naka
Image procured by Sanjay Sawant
Visual from Borivali station
Image courtesy: Hrushikesh Berde
Mumbai Police takes action
WATCH: Protesters block rail service at Goregaon station
Input from Tony George
CPM demonstration at Vasai in support of Maharashtra Bandh
Image procured by Sanjay Sawant
Visuals from Goregaon station
Image procured by Firstpost
Rail roko ends in Virar
Protesters tried to disrupt rail services in Virar at about 8.30 am. however, after a 10 minute disturbance, the police was able to re-start the train services from Virar.
Rajnath Singh to make a statement in Lok Sabha
Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be making a statement on the ongoing caste violence in Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, reports CNN-News18.
Mumbai Police message to citizens
"Do not believe in or spread rumours and continue with the daily activities. The Police administration is there and geared up to deal with any untoward situations," says Mumbai Police.
Visuals from Pune ST bus band: Pune-Baramati route also affect
Image procured by Sanjay Sawant
Dabbawalas off the roads today
Dabbawalas will be off Mumbai roads today
Dabbawala association spokesperson Subhash Talekar told mediapersons that they won't be delivering tiffins to people fearing the law and order issues in the city.
Don't believe in rumours, says Central Railways
"Please don't believe in rumours. Central Railway will keep you posted with hourly updates," Sunil Udasi, CPRO of the Central Railways tells citizens.
Section 144 imposed in Thane
Trains running normally in Central Railway
Few protestors tried to disrupt Railway services at Thane but were immediately cleared by RPF and GRP officials. Services are running uninterrupted on Central Railway as of now, said Central Railway.
Rail roko by protesters at Thane
image courtesy: Sanjay Sawant
Security beefed up in eastern suburbs
Protesters stop train at Thane station
Section 144 imposed in Thane
RSS leader Manmohan Vaidya issues official statement on Maharashtra violence
Anil Garg, chief of Mumbai school buses owners association, speaks
"How can we take the risk? In the morning too, six buses were stoned in Chembur area of Mumbai. We will take a call at 11 am for the second shift. We have to think about the safety of children and cabs and autos too are not working as usual in Mumbai," Anil Garg told CNN-News18.
Here is Manjul's take on caste violence in Maharashtra
Security tightened across Mumbai
According to CNN-News18, battalions of Rapid Action Force have been deployed in Mumbai, especially in eastern suburbs like Chembur, which was affected by violence on Tuesday.
Blame game begins over Maharashtra violence
A blame game has started in Maharashtra over who triggered the caste clashes, reported Economic Times. On the other hand, Prakash Ambedkar of the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BMM) accused right-wing groups, especially the Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan, headed by Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, respectively.
Won't run school buses in the morning, says school bus association chief
Mumbaikars faced traffic issues on Tuesday
Shops closed in Chembur
In 1818, Mahar community sided with the British to fight the Peshwas
In 1818, the Peshwa attempted to retake the city of Pune from the British with a force of 28,000 men — 20,000 cavalrymen and 8,000 foot soldiers — mostly comprising of Marathas. A British force, comprising no more than around 800 soldiers, was on its way to Pune to meet with the main force stationed there when the Peshwa’s advance force spotted them.
As the British took refuge in a small village called Koregaon, which was surrounded by a low mud wall, the Peshwa decided to detach a small portion of his army, around 2,000 soldiers, to take on the British forces and the village of Koregaon.
On 1 January, 1818, East India Company troops, comprising mostly Mahar Dalits, fended off the Maratha offensive. The soldiers fought through the night and managed to defend the village of Koregaon from the attackers.
According to one estimate, the Company lost between 200-300 troops that night but the Peshwa suffered heavier losses as 500-600 of his men perished in the battle. The Marathas, wary of reinforcements arriving from Pune in much larger numbers than their own, were forced to retreat.
Traffic Police in Mumbai taking precautionary measures
Mumbai Traffic Police is taking precautionary measures to ensure smooth flow of traffic. "All traffic personnel will be on their toes to ensure smooth flow of traffic, especially on the Eastern Express Highway," police officer told DNA.
RECAP: What happened in Koregaon Bhima on 1 January
The disturbances erupted in the village of Koregaon-Bhima on 1 January during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Anglo-Maratha War between the army of Peshwa Bajirao II with a small force of the East India Company that comprised a large number of Dalits.
Several lakhs of Dalits had congregated around the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) erected by the British in Sanaswadi village when suddenly stone pelting started, allegedly by some right-wing groups carrying saffron flags.
In the clashes that ensued between the two groups, more than 30 vehicles, including buses, police vans and private vehicles, were torched or damaged and one youth, Rahul Fatangale, 28 of Nanded lost his life.
RECAP: Bhima Koregaon violence turns creation of award-winning artist into heap of ashes, inflicts over Rs 50 lakh loss
The handiwork of an artist were subsumed in the flames of anger and violence over marking the 200th anniversary of Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune.
The caste-based clashes that spilled over to few other parts of Maharashtra too, including Mumbai, cost Eldine Fernandes, a national award-winning Pune-based sculptor, over Rs 50 lakh worth of his paintings, sculptures, and equipment as protesters torched and vandalised his studio in the Bhima Koregaon area in Pune.
Fernandes, a Christian, could barely hold back his tears as he recounted his losses. Apart from immense hard work in the form of artworks, that were at various stages of completion, being reduced to ashes, Fernandes says he also lost three years worth of his life's savings.
RECAP: Fadnavis orders probe into Bhima-Koregaon violence
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said a judicial inquiry has been ordered into the violence which erupted during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district." A sitting high court judge will head the inquiry," Fadnavis said, adding that Rs 10 lakh compensation would be given to kin of the youth killed. The youth's death would be probed by the CID, Fadnavis told reporters.
MSRTC buses damaged in violence across Maharashtra
Protests and violent incidents were witnessed in other parts of the state, including Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Beed, Nashik, Pune, Solapur, Thane and Palghar as Dalits expressed their ire over Monday's incidents in Koregaon-Bhima in Pune district.
At least 25 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, besides private luxury buses and other vehicles, were damaged in stone pelting by riotous mobs, reported IANS.
Jignesh Mevani to be in Mumbai today
Additional security across Maharashtra
“We have made elaborate arrangements to keep the situation under control in view of the bandh. Extra forces have been kept on standby. Some areas have been identified where internet could be suspended so people cannot spread rumours on social media,” DGP Satish Mathur told The Indian Express.
RPI(A) to not participate in the bandh
While the Prakash Ambedkar faction as well as 250 Dalit outfits have called for a Maharashtra bandh today, the RPI(A), a constituent of the NDA, will not be participating in it. "We will not participate in the Maharashtra bandh, but rasta roko and morchas to various police station in Mumbai will continue on Wednesday," Gautam Sonawane, RPI (A) state president told The Times of India.
Updates for 3 January 2018 begin
Road traffic normal in Navi Mumbai, says DCP Nitin Pawar
DCP Nitin Pawar has assued that there is no congestion on the routes in Navi Mumbai. He said: "Traffic situation is absolutely Normal in Navi Mumbai. Only heavy vehicles like trucks, containers- trailers are stopped on road-side at convenient places so that they should not cause any inconvenience on Eastern Express Highway (EEH)/Chembur area and no more congestion should be allowed on EEH. This stoppage of heavy vehicles is not affecting flow of traffic in Navi Mumbai."
Award-winning sculptor loses artwork worth Rs 50 lakh
Eldine Fernandes, a national award-winning sculptor, lost over Rs 50 lakh worth of paintings, sculptures, equipment in the violence on Monday. He had been working in this studio which was burnt to the ground by the ravaging mob.
A Christian himself, he had statues of BR Ambedkar, Shivaji, different animals, angels, all stored in his studio by the side of the road in Bhima Koregaon.
Inputs from Shatakshi Gawade/101Reporters
Key political parties stay mum on stand for bandh called by Dalit group
The bandh called by Dalit groups tomorrow has been supported by Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh chief Prakash Ambedkar and CPM. However, no main political parties from Maharashtra, mainly Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, MNS have extended their support till now.
Jet Airways, Air India waive off cancellation charges from Mumbai due to ongoing volatile situation in the state.
CPM supports Maharashtra bandh 'to denounce violence by casteist forces' against Dalits
In a press release, CPM has said that the bandh will condemn the "entire manner in which the BJP-led state government headed by Devendra Fadnavis handled the situation."
The Left party has alleged that "no action was taken" ahead of New Year, even though the state government was "well aware that lakhs would gather to commemorate the 200th anniversary of this battle."
CPM criticised the fact that no arrests have been made for the death of Rahul Fatangale, the Dalit youth who was killed on Monday during the violence. "It appears that this violence has been deliberately engineered by right wing forces to incite casteist and communal polarisation in the state," the party said.
However, CPM has appealed for a "peaceful and democratic" protest.
Lesser cabs ply in view of violence
Fewer Ola, Uber taxis are seen on the roads in Mumbai. The drivers are reportedly preferring to stay out of roads as a precautionary measure.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleges political conspiracy
Speaking to Times Now, Sanjay Raut said: "The incident has not happened suddenly. There is a political conspiracy behind this. Some force wants to break Maharashtra. The government needs to ponder why these incidents have increased. Since the time this govt has come into existence,,these things have been happening."
Seven police personnel injured in clashes in Mumbai, reports CNN-News18
Prakash Ambedkar calls for Maharashtra bandh on Wednesday
Three FIR registered related to the violence but no arrests made so far, reports CNN-News18
Over 100 people detained so far by Mumbai Police, reports CNN-News18
Mumbai Police updates on traffic congestion on Eastern Express Highway
In view of the traffic congestion at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, Cheda Nagar and Kamraj Nagar on the Eastern Express Highway, Mumba Police has advised the people to avoid these roads for the moment:
1. Vikroli north and south bound diverted to LBS road.
2. JVLR partly diverted towards Saki Vihar
People have been advised to instead go through LBS Road, where traffic is moving though slow.
All MSRTC govt buses from Pune to Mumbai cancelled
A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) official at Breman Chowk bus stop in Pune has confirmed that all MSRTC buses from Pune to Mumbai have been cancelled for the day.
"Those who had reserved tickets will be refunded soon," he has said.
Buses to Dadar, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kohlapur from Pune have stood cancelled since around 1 pm.
Shops made to shut in Ghatkopar
Apart from the medical shops, every other shop has been made to shut in Amrut Nagar area of Ghatkopar West. SM Shetty school in Hiranandani, Powai, has informed the parents to pick up their kids from the school.
Majeed Memon slams BJP-Shiv Sena govt in Maharashtra
NCP leader Majeed Memon hit out at Maharashtra government over the violence in parts of Mumbai and Pune. Speaking to CNN-News18, He said: "The present govt is literally no government, There is no coordination between Shiv Sena and BJP. Judicial enquiry (ordered by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis) is only for self-satisfaction. You have to come down on the streets and see that the violence is stopped forthwith."
Would Dalit leader's call for bandh make an impact?
Following the incident at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, national leader of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh Prakash Ambedkar has called for a Maharashtra shutdown on Thursday. However, it is to be seen if the call would have any real impact on the ground as the political entity doesn't command enough hold in state politics.
Bus services from Pune to Mumbai affected
State government buses aren't plying on schedule from Pune to Mumbai. Speculation is that disturbances on the expressway near Mumbai is the reason. Pune-Mumbai Shivneri buses are running behind schedule by over an hour currently.
Massive protests at Chembur skywalk, reports Times now
Dalit protestors block highway in Sion, reports India Today
Several schools, colleges in Mumbai shut in view of violence, reports India Today
Fadnavis order CID probe, Ramdas Athawale says he has appealed to protestors for calm
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has told reporters that he will order a CID probe. Meanwhile, Union minister Ramdas Athawale has told Times Now that he has appealed to Dalits and his supporters to maintain calm.
Train services hit on Harbour line
Violence hits Bhima Koregaon event marking 200th anniversary of Mahars' victory over Peshwas
The event to mark 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune district, in which forces of the East India Company defeated Peshwa's army, was marred by incidents of violence, with at least one person getting killed.
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.
However, some right-wing groups in Pune had expressed opposition to celebration of the `British' victory.
Read more
Devendra Fadnavis appeals for calm, says attack could be well-planned conspiracy
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis made an appeal for calm in the state and said that it was the police that bought the situation under control.
"Some vehicles were burnt but police controlled the situation. All the people present at the event were escorted by the police and safely taken to their respective homes. One person was killed and we have launched a probe. If policemen weren't there in sufficient numbers, the situation could be much worse," he said.
Devendra Fadnavis acts on alleged attacks at Bhima Koregaon event near Pune
10:24 (IST)
BEST buses not running on this route:
Kandivali- Akurli, Dindoshi-Hanuman Nagar, Chandivali-Sangharsh Nagar, Khairani Rd- Sakinaka, Sahar Cargo, Mulund Check Naka, Jijamata Nagar. Fortunately, there has been no stone pelting incidents in Mumbai so far.
Input from Sanjay Sawant
10:22 (IST)
Pappu Yadav too gives adjournment motion in lok Sabha
ANI is reporting that Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) leader and Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over the caste violence in Maharashtra.
10:19 (IST)
Now CPI too issues adjournment motion
CPI leader D Raja gives zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha over "increasing atrocities against Dalits", reports ANI.
10:15 (IST)
After Naresh Agrawal, Congress issues adjournment motion in LS
10:11 (IST)
Internet services suspended in Aurangabad
10:09 (IST)
Life is as usual in most parts of Mumbai
Some autos and taxis were seen plying in various areas, but the famed Dabbawalas cancelled their services for the day. Many shops and establishments also opened for work as usual in the city and suburbs and there were the familiar crowds on roads and highways, reported IANS.
10:07 (IST)
Naresh Agarwal issues adjournment motion on Bhima Koregaon violence
10:05 (IST)
Protesters gathering at Ramabai Nagar in Goregaon
10:04 (IST)
Visual from Kalyan's Nehru Chowk
Image courtesy: Omkar Patne
10:01 (IST)
Parents frightned to send children, say schools
09:59 (IST)
Trains running normally in Pune division
09:57 (IST)
Bandh situation in Dadar
While the fish market in Dadar is shut for the day, the flower market, however, is bustling as usual.
09:53 (IST)
Mob pelts stones on bus at Aurangabad
A mob pelted stones towards a private bus which was on educational tour in Aurangabad district. Around 40 students from Gagangiri Vidyalaya, Pandharpur tehsil, Solapur district were on board. A teacher and a student are injured in the incident. The incident occurred around 7 am today near Deogiri school, Daultabad fort, 13 km from Aurangabad.
Aarteeshymal Joshi/101Reporters
09:49 (IST)
Video: Trains are delayed at Borivali station
Video courtesy: Hrushikesh Berde
09:48 (IST)
Many schools shut in Thane
09:44 (IST)
Western Railway affected too...
Trains are running late by at least 30 minutes from Borivali, an important junction on the Western Railway.
Input from Jay Mehta
09:43 (IST)
Dalit activists protest in Thane's Teen Haath Naka
Image procured by Sanjay Sawant
09:41 (IST)
Visual from Borivali station
Image courtesy: Hrushikesh Berde
09:34 (IST)
Mumbai Police takes action
09:30 (IST)
WATCH: Protesters block rail service at Goregaon station
Input from Tony George
09:26 (IST)
CPM demonstration at Vasai in support of Maharashtra Bandh
Image procured by Sanjay Sawant
09:23 (IST)
Visuals from Goregaon station
Image procured by Firstpost
09:20 (IST)
Rail roko ends in Virar
Protesters tried to disrupt rail services in Virar at about 8.30 am. however, after a 10 minute disturbance, the police was able to re-start the train services from Virar.
09:16 (IST)
Rajnath Singh to make a statement in Lok Sabha
Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be making a statement on the ongoing caste violence in Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, reports CNN-News18.
09:13 (IST)
Mumbai Police message to citizens
"Do not believe in or spread rumours and continue with the daily activities. The Police administration is there and geared up to deal with any untoward situations," says Mumbai Police.
09:07 (IST)
Visuals from Pune ST bus band: Pune-Baramati route also affect
Image procured by Sanjay Sawant
09:05 (IST)
Dabbawalas off the roads today
09:02 (IST)
Dabbawalas will be off Mumbai roads today
Dabbawala association spokesperson Subhash Talekar told mediapersons that they won't be delivering tiffins to people fearing the law and order issues in the city.
08:58 (IST)
Don't believe in rumours, says Central Railways
"Please don't believe in rumours. Central Railway will keep you posted with hourly updates," Sunil Udasi, CPRO of the Central Railways tells citizens.
08:50 (IST)
Section 144 imposed in Thane
08:49 (IST)
Trains running normally in Central Railway
Few protestors tried to disrupt Railway services at Thane but were immediately cleared by RPF and GRP officials. Services are running uninterrupted on Central Railway as of now, said Central Railway.
08:48 (IST)
Rail roko by protesters at Thane
image courtesy: Sanjay Sawant
08:34 (IST)
Security beefed up in eastern suburbs
08:32 (IST)
Protesters stop train at Thane station
08:27 (IST)
Section 144 imposed in Thane
08:23 (IST)
RSS leader Manmohan Vaidya issues official statement on Maharashtra violence
08:20 (IST)
Anil Garg, chief of Mumbai school buses owners association, speaks
"How can we take the risk? In the morning too, six buses were stoned in Chembur area of Mumbai. We will take a call at 11 am for the second shift. We have to think about the safety of children and cabs and autos too are not working as usual in Mumbai," Anil Garg told CNN-News18.
08:17 (IST)
Here is Manjul's take on caste violence in Maharashtra
08:10 (IST)
Security tightened across Mumbai
According to CNN-News18, battalions of Rapid Action Force have been deployed in Mumbai, especially in eastern suburbs like Chembur, which was affected by violence on Tuesday.
08:07 (IST)
Blame game begins over Maharashtra violence
A blame game has started in Maharashtra over who triggered the caste clashes, reported Economic Times. On the other hand, Prakash Ambedkar of the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BMM) accused right-wing groups, especially the Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan, headed by Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, respectively.
08:03 (IST)
Won't run school buses in the morning, says school bus association chief
07:53 (IST)
Mumbaikars faced traffic issues on Tuesday
07:51 (IST)
Shops closed in Chembur
07:50 (IST)
In 1818, Mahar community sided with the British to fight the Peshwas
In 1818, the Peshwa attempted to retake the city of Pune from the British with a force of 28,000 men — 20,000 cavalrymen and 8,000 foot soldiers — mostly comprising of Marathas. A British force, comprising no more than around 800 soldiers, was on its way to Pune to meet with the main force stationed there when the Peshwa’s advance force spotted them.
As the British took refuge in a small village called Koregaon, which was surrounded by a low mud wall, the Peshwa decided to detach a small portion of his army, around 2,000 soldiers, to take on the British forces and the village of Koregaon.
On 1 January, 1818, East India Company troops, comprising mostly Mahar Dalits, fended off the Maratha offensive. The soldiers fought through the night and managed to defend the village of Koregaon from the attackers.
According to one estimate, the Company lost between 200-300 troops that night but the Peshwa suffered heavier losses as 500-600 of his men perished in the battle. The Marathas, wary of reinforcements arriving from Pune in much larger numbers than their own, were forced to retreat.
07:40 (IST)
Schools buses may be affected across Mumbai today
School students may be inconvenienced as school buses will stay off the roads in Mumbai in view of the Maharashtra bandh called by Dalit outfits. The School Bus Owners' Association (SBOA) said it would not operate its fleet of 40,000 buses today.
Anil Garg, president of SBOA, told PTI, "For security reasons, we have decided not to ply our buses in the first shift tomorrow. If the situation remains peaceful, we will run the buses in the second shift" Garg said on Tuesday.
However, if a particular bus owner wanted to operate his services, it would be his call, he added.
"Law-and-order is beyond our control. Therefore, we cannot take the risk," Garg said.
07:36 (IST)
Traffic Police in Mumbai taking precautionary measures
Mumbai Traffic Police is taking precautionary measures to ensure smooth flow of traffic. "All traffic personnel will be on their toes to ensure smooth flow of traffic, especially on the Eastern Express Highway," police officer told DNA.
07:27 (IST)
RECAP: What happened in Koregaon Bhima on 1 January
The disturbances erupted in the village of Koregaon-Bhima on 1 January during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Anglo-Maratha War between the army of Peshwa Bajirao II with a small force of the East India Company that comprised a large number of Dalits.
Several lakhs of Dalits had congregated around the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) erected by the British in Sanaswadi village when suddenly stone pelting started, allegedly by some right-wing groups carrying saffron flags.
In the clashes that ensued between the two groups, more than 30 vehicles, including buses, police vans and private vehicles, were torched or damaged and one youth, Rahul Fatangale, 28 of Nanded lost his life.
07:18 (IST)
RECAP: Bhima Koregaon violence turns creation of award-winning artist into heap of ashes, inflicts over Rs 50 lakh loss
The handiwork of an artist were subsumed in the flames of anger and violence over marking the 200th anniversary of Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune.
The caste-based clashes that spilled over to few other parts of Maharashtra too, including Mumbai, cost Eldine Fernandes, a national award-winning Pune-based sculptor, over Rs 50 lakh worth of his paintings, sculptures, and equipment as protesters torched and vandalised his studio in the Bhima Koregaon area in Pune.
Fernandes, a Christian, could barely hold back his tears as he recounted his losses. Apart from immense hard work in the form of artworks, that were at various stages of completion, being reduced to ashes, Fernandes says he also lost three years worth of his life's savings.
07:14 (IST)
RECAP: Fadnavis orders probe into Bhima-Koregaon violence
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said a judicial inquiry has been ordered into the violence which erupted during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district." A sitting high court judge will head the inquiry," Fadnavis said, adding that Rs 10 lakh compensation would be given to kin of the youth killed. The youth's death would be probed by the CID, Fadnavis told reporters.
07:11 (IST)