Maharashtra: Violence Erupts in Parbhani Over Ambedkar Statue Desecration

Parbhani- Maharashtra witnessed large-scale violence and protests on Wednesday following the desecration of a statue of B.R. Ambedkar, architect of India's Constitution. The incident occurred on Tuesday when unknown miscreants damaged a replica of the Constitution held aloft by the figurine outside the Parbhani railway station.

Furious over the incident, Dalit organizations called for a shutdown in Parbhani, which received a near-total response. Businesses, educational institutions, and shops remained closed, while crowds of protestors gathered throughout the town, expressing their anger and demanding justice.

The violence escalated as mobs pelted stones near the Collectorate office, torched tires and garbage, and engaged in vandalism. Police responded with mild caning, tear gas shells, and chased groups of protestors to prevent further damage. One suspect in connection with the statue desecration has been detained by police.

The incident drew sharp condemnation from political leaders across the state. Prakash Ambedkar, president of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), condemned the vandalism as "absolutely very shameful" and highlighted the increasing frequency of such incidents.

Leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) echoed these sentiments, with Vijay Wadettiwar, senior leader of the Congress, questioning the police's response time. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state President Jayant R. Patil and Shiv Sena (UBT) Spokesperson Kishore Tiwari also condemned the incident and called for action against the perpetrators. Patil demanded action against miscreants provoking public sentiments, and Tiwari accused the ruling MahaYuti of failing to form a Cabinet, now fiddling while Parbhani burns.

To quell the unrest, authorities appealed for calm, restricted internet access, and deployed additional security forces throughout the city. The situation remains tense as the state prepares for the Winter Session of the Legislature in Nagpur on December 16. Security has been beefed up in other sensitive districts across the state.