Maharashtra: 40 Arrested Amidst Parbhani Violence; MVA Criticizes Attack on Ambedkar Statue
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Parbhani (Maharashtra), Dec 11 (NationPress) A minimum of 40 individuals have been detained due to their purported participation in a significant outbreak of mob violence, random arson, stone-pelting, and the vandalism of both public and private properties during a shutdown protest triggered by the desecration of a statue of B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, as per officials on Wednesday.
Sources indicate that numerous CCTVs were also dismantled, contributing to the damage inflicted on various properties. A substantial presence of security personnel has been mobilized to address any potential disturbances and to maintain order.
On Tuesday, unidentified assailants defaced a replica of the Constitution held by the statue outside the Parbhani railway station, which ignited fierce protests and violence in the area.
Prakash Ambedkar, the leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), demanded on Wednesday night that police cease combing operations in Dalit neighborhoods, issuing an ultimatum to apprehend all perpetrators by noon on Thursday, or he would announce further actions.
Earlier that day, angered by the insult to Ambedkar's statue, several local Dalit organizations took to the streets and declared a bandh in Parbhani, which received overwhelming support since morning.
The incident drew strong condemnation from VBA president Ambedkar, allies of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Nationalist Congress Party-SP state President Jayant R. Patil, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Kishore Tiwari, among others.
Most shops, businesses, and educational institutions remained closed as throngs of protestors were seen across various parts of the town, chanting slogans in support of Ambedkar and denouncing the incident that heightened political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming Winter Session of the Legislature in Nagpur on December 16.
Protesters threw stones at vehicles near the Collectorate, set fire to rubber tires and debris on the streets, and roamed the area armed with sticks, rods, or stones while additional security forces were deployed to assist the local police.
In an effort to manage the unruly crowds, the police resorted to mild caning and the use of teargas on at least one occasion, and in various neighborhoods, they pursued groups of protestors to prevent further damage.
The police and administration urged the public to avoid succumbing to rumors, stay calm, and even cut off Internet services in the city while authorities detained one suspect believed to be involved in the statue's defacement.
Armed police contingents and other forces were positioned at key locations throughout the city, and security measures were intensified in other sensitive districts across the state.
"The vandalism of the Constitution of India on Babasaheb's statue by casteist criminals in Parbhani is utterly shameful. This is not the first instance of such desecration of Babasaheb's statue or symbols of Dalit identity," remarked Prakash Ambedkar.
Wadettiwar condemned the act, stating that the defacement of the statue has incited tensions in Parbhani and questioned why the police and administration failed to address it promptly.
Patil criticized the incident, expressing concern over the growing apathy in society that allows such offenses to occur.
"Words cannot adequately condemn this dishonor. The MVA has been advocating for the preservation of Democracy and the Constitution for five years, yet certain vested interests are brazenly targeting the symbol of the masses, Ambedkar's statue," said Tiwari.
Appealing for peace, Ambedkar highlighted that VBA's local workers were the first to arrive at the scene to protest, prompting police action, which included filing an FIR and arresting one suspect. However, he warned that if all those responsible were not apprehended within 24 hours, there would be repercussions.
"The situation escalated due to the police's delayed response. The government needs to reassure the public that the situation will not worsen. I urge Constitution supporters and the public to remain calm and cooperate," urged Wadettiwar.
Patil called for action against those attempting to incite public unrest, while Tiwari accused the ruling MahaYuti of failing to form a Cabinet and allowing the situation in Parbhani to deteriorate.
