Parbhani: Tension prevailed in Prabhani city of Maharashtra on Wednesday as local mobs indulged in stone pelting and arson after a replica of the Constitution held by a statue of BR Ambedkar was allegedly defaced by an unidentified person on Tuesday.
Some people have been injured as the agitating mob clashed with the police, pelting stones and vandalising public property. Videos from the spot showed persons in the mob wearing blue scarves indulging in stone pelting while being chased away by the cops. Another video clip showed a mob pelting stones at a police bus while personnel scrambled to take cover.
Police said several people were injured in the stone-pelting incident and have been shifted to a hospital for treatment. People from a community were seen taking out processions while a bandh was in effect in Parbhani.
Additional SP Parbhani stated that the exact figures are yet to be confirmed. Additional forces have been deployed, and efforts are underway to bring the situation under control. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for the violence.
What triggered violence in Parbhani
Violence broke out on Tuesday as news of the statue’s vandalism spread. A crowd of around 200 people gathered near the damaged replica of the Constitution, raising slogans. The situation escalated, with incidents of stone pelting and arson reported in the area.
Around 6 pm, protesters moved towards the railway station. Some demonstrators assaulted the locomotive pilot of the Nandigram Express train after pulling him down from the engine. They blocked the railway tracks for over 30 minutes before being dispersed by Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police personnel. The train finally departed from Parbhani station at 6:52 pm.
Protesters are demanding strict action against those responsible for damaging the Constitution replica and called for enhanced protection of all statues of national leaders.
