Tension flares in Maharashtra as a protest against violence directed at Hindus in Bangladesh turned violent, In Nashik’s Bhadrakali area the situation intensified when two groups clashed, leading to widespread stone pelting, The two groups confronted during the Bandh organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj. 18 police officers have been reported as injured while a few others were left wounded.
As reported by ANI, the violence escalated to the point where police had to step in, The resorted to lathi charges and deployed tear gas to restore order. The confrontation between the groups, coupled with the police intervention, significantly heightened the tensions.
According to, Senior police inspector Dilip Thakur, an atmosphere of tension had developed, but the situation is now peaceful. Police forces have been deployed at various locations reports ANI.
Nashik police Commissioner, Sandeep, Karnik told PTI, that six tear gas shells and one rubber bullet were used to disperse the crow resulting in injuries to around six police officers, for maintaining peace in the area, police personnel, including SRPF jawans, were deployed.
The demands of the group sparked a heated argument that further escalated into a physical clash and eventually led to stone pelting, worsening tensions in the city.
Many people have been hospitalized with injuries caused by stone pelting.
Police officials are currently probing the events that led to the confrontation.
How did unrest unfold?
The unrest started in the afternoon when members of the Sakal Hindu Smaja organized a protest march ( Bandh) accompanied by a motorbike rally.
Tension escalated when the demonstration reached Bhadrakali and the protestors saw that some shops had remained open despite the bandh.
What began as a verbal dispute between the two sides rapidly became a violent clash, with stones being thrown. The ensuing chaos causes damage to several vehicles intensifying the turmoil in the area.
What Happened in Jalgaon?
In Jalgaon, stones were thrown at a vehicle showroom during the protest march. An official told PTI that the incident happened in the morning as a part of a demonstration against anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.
Unidentified individuals threw stones at the two-wheeler showroom, and the situation got tense for a while but was brought under control with police intervention. As a precautionary measure, additional police personnel have been deployed in the city
Bangladeshi Hindus Face Increasing Violence
The Bangladeshi National Hindu Grand Alliance, a non-political Hindu religious group has reported that since August 5, the minority community has faced multiple attacks and threats at 278 locations across 48 districts. They have described this as an assault on Hinduism.
In Delhi, RSS RSS-linked Bari Shakti Forum has appealed to President Draupadi Murmu to intervene and protect Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
The protests were sparked by reports of rising violence against Hindu communities following the fall of Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her government.