Bhima-Koregaon violence: FIR filed against Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid
The Maratha-Dalit violence got Maharashtra to a stand-still. Its genesis was the Elgaar Parishad held at Shaniwarwada in Pune on December 31. Now, the police have cracked down on those who allegedly made "provocative speeches." Pune police have registered an FIR against newly elected Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid. Here's all about it.
What were the Bhima-Koregaon protests?
The Elgaar Parishad marked the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon. This battle was fought between the British Indian Army, mostly comprising of Dalit foot-soldiers, and Peshwas in present-day Pune. Incidentally, the Peshwas were defeated. Mevani and Khalid were among those who attended the event. This event sparked Maratha-Dalit violence killing at least one person and injuring several others.
Why have police filed an FIR against Mevani and Khalid?
The police have registered a criminal case against Mevani and Khalid under charges of "creating communal disharmony" through provocative speeches they gave at the Elgaar Parishad. The police will now analyze the speeches. The FIR lists several statements made by the duo at the event.
But, what did Mevani and Khalid say?
Mevani allegedly said that to win against the "new Peshwas," the Bhima-Koregaon battle should move forward. He declared that "this cannot happen through electoral politics." Instead "the annihilation of caste differences" will happen through street fights. Khalid said in the Bhima-Koregaon battle, "They attacked us, (now) it is time for retaliation." He remarked that new Peshwas' end will be a tribute to Koregaon martyrs.
Meanwhile, Mevani, Khalid were denied permission for a Mumbai event
Meanwhile, Mumbai police denied permission for an event that was to be attended by Mevani and Khalid. The "Rashtriya Chattra Sammelan" is an annual conference of Chattra Bharti, a student's organization. Though the organizers got permission for the venue, due to ongoing tensions, police sealed the auditorium and didn't allow the students to enter. MLC Kapil Patil was arrested in connection with the programme.
