Protests broke out in the Maharashtra city of Kolhapur after a social media post reportedly glorifying the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and demeaning a Maratha national figure.
Protests in Kolhapur, India, planned for by local right-wing groups on Wednesday soon turned violent.
Around 10 a.m., a crowd gathered at Shivaji Maharaj Chowk and began chanting chants against the two people suspected of posting the offensive material.
No Mughal leader’s adornment is allowed on Maratha territory. We are prepared to take up arms to defend Hindu culture. A belligerent demonstrator warned that this would not be allowed to stand.
It has been reported that a subset of the demonstrators spread out around the neighbourhood and damaged private property. According to reports, many automobiles were also damaged. Police officials attempted to regain control of the situation by increasing security in the impacted areas of the city.
Lathi charging was used by the local police. According to reports, tear gas was also deployed against the demonstrators. Stones were thrown at the Town Hall earlier in the day.
Some of the demonstrators said that Hindus in India are at danger because of “Love Jihad” and “The Kerala Story,” two recent films that have caused controversy. They were spotted with placards that expressed worry for the safety of Hindus in India.
It is the government’s job to maintain peace and order in the state,” Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde told the reporters later that day. I also urge the general populace not to lose their composure. The police have launched an investigation, and they will take appropriate measures against the perpetrators.
