Upper castes disrupt yearly Dalit event in Pune; Mumbai suffers

Parts of Mumbai, especially eastern suburbs, saw minor shutdowns after Dalits protested violence against them in Pune by upper-caste Hindus.

Protesters began pouring in Chembur early morning and disrupted road and rail traffic demanding action against people who violated law and order in Bhima Koregaon on Monday January 1, 2018.

Every year, Dalits congregate at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, Maharashtra to mark anniversary of the battle fought between the British and Peshwas. However, this year, some people disrupted the event and caused violence.

For complete lowdown on the issue read: What led to the violence? 

For traffic and train updates read:  Mumbai Latest Traffic and Train Updates

The incident led to traffic snarls in various parts of the city and Harbour Line services, after being stopped for a while, were restored at 4:40PM. 

Political reactions poured in with Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis saying: “Around three lakh people had gathered (for the battle anniversary celebrations). Some people tried to create a serious scene. But six companies (of security personnel) were posted. Police promptly controlled the situation and averted a major problem. Strict action will be taken against those who use social media to spread rumours.”

He also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the victim's family.

While announcing the relief, he also said that, “request will be made to SC for judicial inquiry in Koregaon violence matter and CID inquiry will also be conducted on the death of the youth". 

Congress President Rahul Gandhi reacted by saying that 'Bhima-Koregaon are potent symbols of resistance against 'RSS/BJP's fascist vision of India. Dalit groups and the Left Front called for Maharashtra Bandh to protest the violence. 

Jigensh Mevani, who had attended the event at Bhima Koregaon appealed for people of Maharashtra to maintain peace.

He wrote on Twitter: 

Maharashtra government must ensure rule of law. I appeal to the people of Maharashtra to maintain peace.

— Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) January 2, 2018

For full political reactions: From Devendra Fadnavis to Sharad Pawar - how politicans reacted 

The event to mark 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, in which forces of the East India Company defeated Peshwa's army, was yesterday marred by incidents of violence, in which one person was killed.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community -- then considered untouchable -- were part of the East India Company's forces.

However, some right-wing groups in Pune had expressed opposition to celebration of the British victory.