Kolhapur MP Shahu Maharaj’s Emotional Plea at Vishalgad: Government Accountability for Devastating Violence
Kolhapur MP Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Visits Vandalised Homes Post ‘Chalo Vishalgad’ March
Kolhapur MP Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, recently elected from Congress, visited Vishalgad on Tuesday to meet families affected by vandalism during the ‘Chalo Vishalgad’ march conducted by former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati on July 14. Both leaders are descendants of the legendary warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Due to prohibitory orders, police thwarted Shahu Maharaj and Congress leader Satej Patil from reaching Vishalgad Fort. They instead visited homes in Muslimwadi and Gajapur, along with a mosque, all of which reportedly suffered damage by right-wing activists participating in the march.
The police have arrested 21 suspects and charged 60 individuals for property damage. Among the arrested are Atmaram Sardesai, Gopi Suryawanshi, Omkar Chougule, and Rohan Patil. Prior to the violence, Shahu Maharaj had warned the State government about rising tensions in a Monday letter, labeling the incident a conspiracy. He accused the State’s negligence of exacerbating the situation and called for compensation for the victims.
Meanwhile, the administration continued its anti-encroachment drive in the Vishalgad Fort area, removing around 70 illegal structures, predominantly commercial spaces. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit clarified that most demolished structures were not in Gajapur.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reassured on Tuesday that the government will remove encroachments from all historically significant forts, including Vishalgad. “The process will be conducted lawfully. While removing encroachments in Vishalgad is important following demands from Chhatrapati Shivaji’s followers, restoring peace remains our top priority,” he stated.
This comprehensive action highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to address and prevent future unrest in the historic Vishalgad region.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/kolhapur-mp-shahu-maharaj-visit-vishalgad-blames-government-for-the-violence/article68411040.ece
Category : Maharashtra
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