Tension gripped the historic town of Kolhapur in western Maharashtra after objectionable social media status by some persons on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan.
The problem started in Kolhapur on Tuesday evening after two men allegedly put Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan's image along with an offensive audio message as their social media ‘status'. Over the past few days, there have also been reports of people displaying posters of Aurangzeb.
To protest against the glorification of Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan, some organisations had called for a Kolhapur bandh and the members of these organisations gathered at Shivaji Chowk, a prominent landmark of the city, on Wednesday morning.
A heavy police bandobast was deployed but as the crowd was dispersing some people started pelting stones - after which the problem started.
The police had to resort to lathi charge after the incident.
Heavy police deployment and the situation was brought under control.
Read | Stone pelting in Kolhapur over use of Tipu Sultan’s image; police send proposal to suspend internet
Kolhapur Collector Rahul Rekhawar and Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit hit the streets and appealed to people for calm. “Kolhapur is known for its image as a progressive district,” the Collector said. “The force was used to disperse people, we would not allow any problems,” the SP said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation and appealed for calm. “Anyone taking law into their hands will not be spared," Shinde said.
Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, made it clear that the glorification of Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan would not be tolerated.
“These people glorified Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. It cannot be a mere coincidence. Why suddenly these images have been displayed in various districts of Maharashtra….It does not happen easily or automatically. As it cannot be a mere coincidence,” Fadnavis said, adding that there would be a thorough probe into the incident. “It looks like desperate attempts are being made to destabilize the law and order situation in the state,” he said.
As of Wednesday evening, the situation was under control, the Kolhapur district administration and police reported.
Leader of Opposition in Assembly Ajit Pawar raised issues related to the law and order situation in the state. “It is the duty of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and state police machinery to unearth the people behind the act,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that this is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maharashtra and glorification of Aurangzeb would not be tolerated.