Argument breaks out between police and warkaris outside temple in Pune district, opposition claims lathicharge

MUMBAI: An altercation erupted on Sunday between warkaris (Lord Vitthal followers) and police during a procession in Maharashtra's Pune district, although there was no lathicharge, a senior official said.
Opposition parties, on the other hand, said police lathicharged warkaris and requested a high-level investigation and heavy punishment.
The event occurred during the annual Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage to Pandharpur, when worshippers were trying to obtain access into Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Mandir in Alandi town, 22 kilometres from Pune city.
According to Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey, police had taken meticulous preparations and met with temple trustees to avoid any unfortunate incidents. A few people broke the law as the police were dispatching batches of 75 worshippers at a time.
"There was an altercation when police tried to stop them," Choubey said but refuted allegations that police lathi-charged warkaris.
The issue took a political turn with opposition NCP and Congress claiming that police lathicharged warkaris.
"I condemn the (state) government for the incident of lathi-charge on warkaris. This has never happened in so many years. The pilgrimage (to Pandharpur) has been a tradition for the past few centuries.
"The administration's mismanagement put a blot on this annual celebration. It is anguishing to see the lathi-charge on the warkari community. Those who are at fault should face action," NCP working president and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule said.
She said warkaris have played the role of the guide (to society) through their simple and easy teachings.
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole demanded a high-level inquiry and strict action against the guilty.
He said police officials involved in lathicharge should be suspended.
NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto described the incident as shameful.
"Since March, an atmosphere of tension and violence prevails in the state. Today warkaris in Alandi have been lathicharged. This is shameful. If Devendra Fadnavis (home minister) cannot run the state, he should resign,'' he said.
(With inputs from PTI)