Police had to resort to lathi charge after a clash broke out in Maharashtra's Kolhapur on Wednesday allegedly over objectional social media posts on Aurangzeb. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has appealed for peace. A bandh and protest were called by the organisations after tension broke out in the city after someone allegedly posted objectionable posts on social media with a reference to Aurangzeb. "It's the government's responsibility to maintain law and order in the state. I also appeal to the public for peace and calm. Police investigation is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty," CM Shinde said. Internet services has also been suspended in view of the clashes to contain the situation.
Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said, "There was a complaint in Kolhapur yesterday about an objectionable status. Accordingly, two offences were registered and 5 people were detained. A mob had gathered outside Laxmipuri PS demanding legal action against them. When it was returning, some miscreants pelted stones and an offence registered against that too at Laxmipuri PS."
"Some organisations had given a call for 'Kolhapur bandh' today and they had gathered at a location. When their agitation concluded and they were returning, some miscreants pelted stones like yesterday. So, we have initiated legal action against them. Mob has dispersed. Police deployed everywhere. Situation is under control," he added.
Police resorted to mild caning and bursting teargas as some mobs resorted to attacking the security forces, pelted stones, overturned some vehicles and forced local shopkeepers to down shutters. The police were seen chasing the protesters, caning a mob at one spot and later catching and detaining many of the mobsters.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis are closely monitoring the situation even as security was beefed up in the town with orders to the local administration to bring the situation under control and restore peace in Kolhapur on priority.
The SP said they appealed to the agitators to maintain peace and withdraw the agitation. Earlier this week, police registered a case against four persons for allegedly carrying posters of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb during a procession in Ahmednagar district, a video of which had gone viral.