A structure set on fire during protests which continued for the second day over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution, in Parbhani, Maharashtra, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 | Photo Credit: PTI

50 arrested over Parbhani violence, say Maharashtra police

Police failed to take action at the right time and arrested innocent people, says Bheem Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad

by · The Hindu

With the desecration of the Constitution replica near the Parbhani City railway station in Maharashtra triggering widespread outrage, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the act and called the protest ‘unnecessary’ as the accused was arrested immediately. The police have detained 50 individuals involved in the unrest. 

“Fifty people have been arrested on December 11 night, while as many as 10 police personnel suffered injuries during stone pelting,” said Inspector General of Nanded, Shahaji Umap on Thursday (December 12, 2024), adding that the police were scrutinising the criminal background of the arrested. Police registered cases of stone pelting, public property destruction, and violation of prohibitory orders against the detainees.

A day after the bandh, peace was restored in Parbhani. Bandh was observed in few towns of neighbouring districts of Jalna and Hingoli on Thursday (December 12, 2024). At least 70-80 people were booked under Section 191 (rioting) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The violence erupted on Wednesday after a resident, Sopan Pawar, attempted to vandalise the Constitution replica.

Meanwhile, Bheem Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad slammed the Maharashtra government for the poor handling of the situation. “Police failed to take action at the right time and now arrested innocent people. We won’t tolerate police atrocities, if need, we will take the issue from street to Parliament,” the Nagina MP told the media in Delhi.

The Opposition also criticised the newly formed Maharashtra government and raised its voice concerning law and order in the State.

While Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare blamed the government for destroying the future of Ambedkarites in the name of combing operations, State Congress president Nana Patole demanded an inquiry into the assault on Ambedkarite followers and to suspend the district Superintendent of Police immediately.

Published - December 12, 2024 07:52 pm IST