Prakash Ambedkar, leader of Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday and demanded the immediate arrest of extreme right-wing leaders Manohar Bhide and Milind Ekbote.
Ambedkar alleged that Ekbote and Bhinde were the masterminds of Bhima-Koregaon clashes which resulted in the death of one, several injuries and damages of properties. He said that the CM has ensured that action would not be taken against the Dalits who had participated in the one-day Maharashtra bandh. "Police were forcefully arresting the Dalits. A combing operation was going on. We are here for justice," said Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar. Ambedkar has emerged as the strong face after the Dalit protest and successful bandh in Mumbai and Maharashtra. After 22 years of Ramabai Nagar firing incident, for the first time, Dalits came out on street demanding their rights, bringing Mumbai to a complete halt.
"Dalits are neither Naxals nor terrorists so no action should be taken against them. However, actions need to be taken against Ekbote and Bhide. A FIR has been registered against them. These two right-wing leaders tried to put Marathas against Dalit but their plan was exposed. Now, RSS is also keeping a distance from them and has demanded action. The RSS fears that Bhide and Ekbote will damage their image. We hope that the CM now listens to RSS," Ambedkar said.
He said that the CM plans to suggest a few names of High Court judges and among them, one will be selected to probe this entire Bhima-Koregaon event and submit the report.
