Mumbai tense after Bhima Koregaon clashes, Section 144 imposed
Mumbai remained tense a day after clashes between Dalits and Marathas at Bhima Koregaon caused at least one death. Dalits demanded a Mumbai bandh in protest, stalling train operations, downing shop shutters and vandalizing business premises that remained open. Incidents were reported from Bhandup, Chembur, Mulund, Kurla and elsewhere. There was heavy police deployment across the city. Meanwhile, Marathas protested yesterday's violence in Pune.
A dispute over historical narratives was the trigger, police say
The trigger of yesterday's violence, police said, was a week-old dispute between the two communities in Vadhu Budruk over the Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. After a quarrel, both sides filed cases against each other, but later took them back. Yesterday, as lakhs of Dalits converged to commemorate the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, clashes broke out with Marathas. One died and several were injured.
Visuals from the scene
Protests in Thane, Mumbai, attempts of 'rasta roko'
Today, Thane and Mumbai remained tense as people took to the streets in protest. There was reportedly a curfew-like situation in Badlapur. Shops were forcibly closed and vehicles stopped in Sion, Panvel, Govandi, Mulund, Chembur and others. Many train stations were shut down. Protesters tried to march towards Ambedkar Garden, but were stopped by police at Chembur Naka.
Police deployed, mobile network suspended temporarily
Police personnel were deployed in large numbers to keep a check on the situation. Mobile network was temporarily suspended to prevent the circulation of rumors. No casualties have been reported so far, a cop said. "We're taking all necessary precautions to ensure law and order."
