Relief in Vishalgad Violence: Maharashtra Police Confirms No Homes Damaged – High Court Informed
On Monday, the Maharashtra Police informed the Bombay High Court that they have registered five First Information Reports (FIRs) against former Member of Parliament Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Bhosale and right-wing extremists Ravindra Padwal and Banda Salunkhe. They are accused of leading an armed mob towards Gajapur village near Vishalgadh Fort in Kolhapur, where communal violence erupted on July 14.
The police affidavit submitted by Shahuwadi tehsil’s Senior Police Inspector Vijay Baba Gherade detailed the incident. According to the affidavit, at least 18 police officers were injured during the riots, with two sustaining serious injuries. The mob, numbering around 1,500, wielded sticks and weapons, but police managed to confiscate these and push the group back. Despite heavy rain and low visibility, some individuals entered Gajapur village and caused property damage.
About 24 individuals have been arrested so far, with Padwal currently absconding. Efforts are being made to trace him.
The Advocate General Birendra Saraf, with Government Pleader Priyabhushan Kakade, informed the court that no residential structures around Vishalgadh Fort were demolished by the authorities, countering claims made by the petitioners. The confusion on July 14 was amplified as the date coincided with Shaurya Divas, attracting hundreds to Pavankhind to pay tributes to Veer Bajiprabhu Deshpande.
Senior Police Inspector Gherade emphasized that the authorities made significant efforts to prevent property destruction, noting that no damage occurred within Vishalgadh Fort’s notified area. However, some damage did occur in Gajapur village. The deputy director of the Directorate of Archaeology, Hemant Dalvi, clarified that demolished structures were commercial and not protected by any order.
The court has asked the petitioners, represented by advocate Satish Talekar, to file an affidavit detailing any demolished residential structures, allowing the State government to respond accordingly.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/vishalgad-violence-no-residential-properties-damaged-maharashtra-police-tells-hc/article68461760.ece
Category : Maharashtra
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