Maharashtra: Tensions Over Vishalgad Fort Violence In Kolhapur. Owaisi, Sena UBT Slam Shinde Govt

Maharashtra News: The Vishalgad Fort violence has led to communal tensions in Kolhapur district after Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati led a march to the fort on Sunday.

The Maharashtra police have confirmed that the 'anti-encroachment' drive at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur turned violent.

Source : Krishnanand Thakur

The Vishalgad Fort encroachment issue has sparked significant controversy, with communal tensions in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district attributed to Maratha royal Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati who led a march to the fort on Sunday. The situation intensified when a video went viral on social media showing vandalism at a mosque in Kolhapur district. The video claims this was part of an "encroachment-free" campaign at the historic Vishalgad Fort. The incident led to violence and arson on July 15, with stone-pelting at police officers.

Authorities have registered cases against 500 individuals and arrested 21 people in connection with the violence at Vishalgad Fort. The police have confirmed that the 'anti-encroachment' drive turned violent, leading to stone-pelting and damage to property, including acts of arson.

Meanwhile, the Mamidian Education Society has written to the District Collector demanding Sambhajiraje's immediate arrest, citing his role in the unrest.

Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati Distances Himself From Vishalgad Fort Violence

Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, in a statement, expressed his disapproval of the violence at the fort, stating, "I do not support the violence that occurred at Vishalgad Fort. However, I question why such violence happened. I had already informed the district administration that if the illegal encroachments at Vishalgad Fort were not removed, the situation could deteriorate. Despite this, I have not had a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde or the Deputy Chief Minister. The government is entirely responsible for what transpired in Vishalgad district."

Sambhajiraje also mentioned his visit to the police station to inquire if an FIR had been registered against him, but he received no answers even after two hours. He stressed, "The violence at Vishalgad Fort is being given a communal colour, which is entirely incorrect. I am against the illegal encroachments at the fort, not against any particular community. The first encroachments at Vishalgad Fort were made by Hindus."

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, addressing the row, stated, "There is a significant amount of saline land in Shirgol Taluka of Kolhapur district. We are committed to making the taluka free of saline and wetland. Former State Minister A. Kolhapur, District Collector Rajendra Patil Yadravkar, and other relevant officials have met regarding this issue. Appropriate steps will be taken soon."

कोल्हापूर जिल्ह्यातील शिरोळ तालुक्यात मोठ्या प्रमाणात क्षारपड जमीन आहे. सदर तालुका क्षारपड व पाणथळमुक्त करण्याचा आमचा निर्धार आहे. संबंधित क्षेत्र सुधारण्याच्या प्रस्तावित योजनांच्या अंमलबजावणीसाठी आज माजी राज्यमंत्री आ. राजेंद्र पाटील यड्रावकर, कोल्हापूर जिल्ह्याचे जिल्हाधिकारी… pic.twitter.com/5WGVB8UVz8

— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) July 16, 2024

Asaduddin Owaisi Ivokes Babri Masjid Demolition, Sena UBT Accuses Maharashtra Govt Of Protecting Encroachments At Vishalgad Fort

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the incident, stating,  "It is a kind of terrorist attack on the Mosque. There is a Shinde-Fadnavis BJP government there (Maharashtra). It is because of the government that such attacks are happening on the Mosques...This is being encouraged by the Shinde-BJP government."

"We want to become a Vishvaguru but demolish the Mosque...This is a deliberate targeting of Muslims and religious places," he said at a presser as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | On Mosque demolished in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi says, "It is a kind of terrorist attack on the Mosque. There is a Shinde-Fadnavis BJP government there (Maharashtra). It is because of the government that such attacks are happening on the… pic.twitter.com/t3ChGclEaX

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2024

Owaisi also took to X earlier and drew a parallel to Babri Masjid demolition, ""6 December continues " @mieknathshinde @Dev_Fadnavis under your government a Masjid is attacked by a Mob,this is an attack on Rule of Law but your government is not concerned."

"Muslims of Maharashtra must reply through Ballot by ensuring your party MIM candidates win the forthcoming elections to stop the Mobs and the political leaders & parties who give them patronage and support and remember the Silence of parties who are claiming they won “Moral victory”," he stated.

"6 December continues "@mieknathshinde @Dev_Fadnavis under your government a Masjid is attacked by a Mob,this is an attack on Rule of Law but your government is not concerned.
Muslims of Maharashtra must reply through Ballot by ensuring your party MIM candidates win the… https://t.co/085RnK2y7u

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 15, 2024

Opposition leader Ambadas Danve targeted the Maharashtra government over the violence, questioning if "jungle raj" is prevailing in the state. According to PTI, Danve, from Shiv Sena (UBT), accused the government of protecting illegal structures at the fort, stating, "Sambhajiraje only asked the state government to remove encroachments, but instead of taking action, an offence was registered against him."

AIMIM's Imtiaz Jaleel also criticised Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, stating, "You could go to Delhi because Muslims had voted for you. We used to respect you, but since you led the violent protest at Vishalgad Fort, we wonder whether you are truly a descendant of Shahu Maharaj." Jaleel alleged that legal procedures were not followed during the anti-encroachment drive, and miscreants vandalised homes and burnt vehicles, PTI reported.

Additionally, Danve called for enhanced security at the world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, following police recommendations. He pointed out that despite the increasing footfall at Ellora cave complex, which saw over 24 lakh visitors in nine months last year, the government has not taken action to enhance security or procure safety equipment. He demanded a dedicated police unit for the heritage monuments.

The Vishalgad Fort holds historical significance as it was a refuge for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. The fort has seen various historical events, including a rebellion against a Brahmin regent installed by the British in 1844.

(With Inputs By Agencies)