Maha LoP Describes Nagpur Violence as 'State-Sponsored', Blames T. Raja for 'Inciting Unrest'
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's LoP Vijay Wadettiwar claims the Nagpur violence is a government-sponsored act, targeting T. Raja for inciting unrest. Chief Minister Fadnavis vows strict action against rioters, hinting at a larger conspiracy behind the events.
Key Takeaways
- Wadettiwar accuses state government of sponsoring violence.
- T. Raja urged to be banned for inciting unrest.
- Fadnavis promises strict action against rioters.
- Investigations reveal attempts to provoke violence.
- Violence resulted in injuries to police and civilians.
Mumbai, March 18 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, fiercely criticized the state government on Tuesday, asserting that the violence in Nagpur was a "state-sponsored incident."
He also directed his ire towards Telangana BJP leader T. Raja, insisting that he should be prohibited from entering Maharashtra for allegedly inciting unrest.
Addressing the media, Wadettiwar stated, "If the loudmouthed minister has traveled from Telangana, T. Raja should face a ban in Maharashtra. He is not even acknowledged by a dog in Telangana, yet he comes here and continues to blabber, inciting violence. Such worthless individuals should be put in their place first."
"Maharashtra is a state of peace and progress. Every religion is revered and respected. When incidents like these target any religion, it clearly indicates that the government has nurtured such actions. Today, this incident in Nagpur occurred under a BJP government both at the state and at the Centre. Is there a need to protest over a grave?" he remarked.
"Had the government taken action against the loudmouthed minister at once, such a situation would not have emerged in Maharashtra," he added.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reassured the Assembly that those responsible for the rioting and assaults on police in Nagpur would face strict repercussions.
He emphasized that law and order will not be compromised and that individuals involved in violence would be addressed, regardless of their caste or religion.
Fadnavis suggested a broader conspiracy behind the riots, highlighting that the sequence of events indicated a well-orchestrated effort to provoke turmoil. He stressed that attacks on law enforcement would not be tolerated and urged citizens to maintain harmony, especially during religious occasions.
He called on individuals from all communities to act sensibly and avert unnecessary conflicts.
The protests began around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, initiated by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave.
During the demonstration, participants shouted slogans and set ablaze a symbolic grave made of grass bundles. Following the protest, the Ganesh Peth police documented a case against the demonstrators under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita and the Maharashtra Police Act, 2011. The case was officially recorded at 3:09 p.m.
Later in the evening, tensions heightened when rumors circulated that the fabric used for the symbolic grave contained religious scriptures.
After Namaz at Attar Road, a group of approximately 250 people gathered, chanting slogans and allegedly threatening to set vehicles ablaze.
The police attempted to manage the situation as protesters demanded action against Bajrang Dal members. Their complaint was accepted at the Ganesh Peth police station.
The Chief Minister disclosed that investigations revealed intentional attempts to instigate violence, with authorities confiscating a significant number of weapons and discovering a trolley filled with stones.
He indicated that 12 two-wheelers were damaged during the violence, while larger vehicles, including a crane and two JCBs, were set on fire. Several individuals were assaulted, including instances where swords were employed.
According to Fadnavis, clashes led to injuries for 33 police officers, including three of DCP rank.
Additionally, five civilians were attacked, and one police officer sustained injuries from an axe, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The violence extended to areas such as Hansapuri and Bhaldarpura, where stone-pelting incidents left several individuals injured. In response, police filed five FIRs and imposed restrictions on gatherings in 11 police station territories.
To avert further escalation, five contingents of the State Reserve Police Force were deployed to maintain order. Fadnavis connected the unrest to the recent release of the film 'Chhavaa,' asserting that it unveiled the true history of Sambhaji Maharaj, igniting public outrage against Aurangzeb.
