Bhima Koregaon Violence: Mumbai suffers as protest snowballs

The violence that erupted in Mumbai following the riots in Bhima Koregaon near Pune threw life out of gear as public transport including the Central Railway (CR) and Harbour Line was affected.

Train services between Kurla and Vashi were shut for more than two hours as protestors staged a rail roko. Autorickshaws and buses were also damaged due to stone pelting. As violent protestors marched on the roads, public transport came to a complete halt in Mulund, Chembur, Govandi, Vikhroli and Ghatkopar.

“At least 15 per cent of our total autorickshaws did not ply due to the agitation,” said Shashank Rao, president, Mumbai Auto Rickshawmen Union.

At least 20 BEST buses and few bus stops were damaged in Chembur, Deonar, Amar Mahal, Kurla and Mulund. “The windows of our buses were damaged due to stone pelting,” said a BEST official.

Protestors blocked all the lanes on Eastern Express Highway (EEH). Mumbai police has detained 100 persons from different locations in the city following the citywide violence. Police informed that 40 private vehicles were damaged. The mob also burned down the police barricades on EEH.

As many as five policemen — a woman constable, JD More Assistant commissioner of police(Govandi Division) and other three constables — were injured in stone-pelting incidents. 

TIMELINE

12.07 pm Train number BR40 was stopped on Up line at Chembur station

1.30 pm Train number PLVD20 stopped at Govandi station resumed at 2.09pm 

2.12 pm till 3.01 pm The same train was stopped between Govandi & Chembur 

1.53 pm till 4.42 pm Train number PL95 was stopped on Down line at Chembur station 

3.16 pm till 4.40 pm Train number PL80 stopped on Up line at Chembur station

4.56 pm The same train was stopped before Kurla 

5.20 pm services resumed

Cancellations (till 6pm): 84 trains

Special trains operated: 52 services

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE BHIMA KOREGAON ANNIVERSARY

Bhima Koregaon is a place nearly 30 kilometres away from Pune city which holds significance in the Dalit community. In 1881, in a battle between Bhima Koregaon with over 20,000 soldiers of Peshwas led by Baji Rao II and 500 soldiers of East India Company which had largely soldiers from the Dalit community. The Peshwas had to face defeat in the presence of 500 men. Every year, the Dalit community celebrates January 1 as a symbol of victory against casteism.

THE ATTACK 

According to police, while the people in groups were gathering at Bhima Koregaon, a small group from another community carried out a rally in a nearby village. The first group had altercations with the other group which was visiting the memorial and soon the situation turned violent. According to police, the crowd suddenly became violent and they started pelting stones at vehicles and houses.   

THE AFTERMATH 

One person was killed after clashes between members of the two communities broke out. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the victim’s family. 

MAINTAIN HARMONY

The recent incidents at Koregaon, Pune, and various other places in Maharashtra are very sad and painful. RSS strongly condemns such violence and feels it is despicable.

Those who are found guilty should be punished as per law. Some forces are trying to create hatred and animosity among communities. RSS appeals to the public to maintain unity and harmony in the society, which have always been the top priority for RSS

Dr Manmohan Vaidya Akhil Bhartiya Prachar Pramukh Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh