Maharashtra: Opposition does its daily walkout, this time over Harsul riots

The opposition staged its fifth consecutive walkout from the state assembly on Friday. This time it was protesting against government's unsatisfactory reply over the communal tension prevailing in Harsul near Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district. The government had said that the situation was normal and that it would make a detailed statement on Monday.

One person was killed in police firing after riots broke out in a small hamlet Bhondarmal near Harsul town on Tuesday over the death of a boy. After the body of Bhagirath Chaudhari was found in a well in the farm of one Rizwan Akhtar, Bhagirath's family members suspected it to be murder and, along with tribal leaders, attacked Muslim establishments. The police had to resort to firing, which killed one person, on Tuesday.

CMP MLA Jiva Pandu Gavit, while raising the issue through Point of Propriety, said communal tension was prevailing for the last three days and that even though the family approached the police, no action was taken. He demanded stern action against the officer concerned.

Minister for water resources Girish Mahajan, who is also the guardian minister for Nashik, informed the House that he has already visited Harsul and held a meeting with both communities. He said 70 policemen have been injured in the violence, clarifying that it was not true that only one community was attacked, as shops and houses of both communities were ransacked.

Mahajan added that a judicial inquiry into the police firing incident has been ordered and there has been peace there since Thursday afternoon. The assistant inspector concerned has been transferred to the headquarters and further action could be taken after the inquiry is complete, he said.

The minister told the House that he would be visiting Harsul again on Saturday or Sunday and would make a detailed statement on Monday.

When Opposition MLAs, including Dilip Walse-Patil, raised objections, saying the situation there is not normal, revenue minister Eknath Khadse appealed to all to go by Mahajan's assurance and wait for his statement on Monday. After the senior-most member of the House, PWP MLA Ganpatrao Deshmukh, refused to take the government's word, saying it has failed completely, the entire opposition staged a walkout.