Following demonstrations over an allegedly offensive social media post involving the 18th-century ruler of Mysuru, Tipu Sultan, tensions flared up in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, according to PTI.
In opposition to residents who allegedly exploited Tipu Sultan's image along with an inappropriate "audio" message on their social media pages, certain organizations have called for a "Kolhapur bandh." Live Hindustan, a sister site of Hindustan Times, said in another article that the villagers had posted signs in favor of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
At the Shivaji Chowk, a few right-wing protestors gathered to voice their opposition. After the protest was over, the throng dispersed, according to the police. However, Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit told PTI that they were attacked by criminals who threw stones at them.
The cops were seen employing force to scatter the gathering in footage that PTI posted. Dipak Kesarkar, a minister for the Maharashtra Guardian, announced that individuals responsible for using Tipu Sultan's image in a social media post had been sanctioned.
"There have been additional deployments. 21 persons have been detained thus far. Now that the situation is in check, Pandit told ANI.
Eknath Shinde, the chief minister of Maharashtra, made a plea for peace and cautioned against using force to enforce the law.
"Anyone attempting to impose law will not be spared. I'm in contact with the local government, and the required instructions have been given. The chief minister emphasized that the welfare of the average person was his or her top priority while pleading with the populace to work with the local government to keep the peace.
Devendra Fadnavis, Shinde's deputy, asserted that the fear of riots among some politicians and the glorification of Tipu Sultan and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by a segment of one community cannot be merely coincidental.
Fadnavis, who is also in charge of the home portfolio, was making reference to the police action taken last week against some young people who displayed images of Aurangzeb during a procession in Ahmednagar.
"In response to these leaders' remarks, young people from one particular community displayed images of Aurangzeb. They also exalted Tipu Sultan and Aurangzeb. It can't just be an accident. Why were these photos broadcast so rapidly in different Maharashtra districts? It is not a simple or automatic process. We will need to look into this further since it can't just be a coincidence, the deputy chief minister continued, urging an investigation to find those who are encouraging the teenagers.
Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had claimed that it is the duty of the state's rulers to maintain law and order, to which Fadnavis responded. "It is not a good sign," he remarked, "if the ruling parties and their supporters come out on the streets and divide two religions."
"I can see right away that all these leaders are speaking the same language," Fadnavis added. They are receiving assistance from members of one community while being exalted by Aurangzeb. The sole reason why there is a riot-like situation in some regions is because members of a certain community are exalting Aurangzeb.
"Maharashtra me Aurangzeb ki Aulanden Paida ho gayi hain, Unhe shant kar denge"
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) June 7, 2023
Just wow! Great to see Devendra bhau openly talking in such an aggressive language & calling out IsIamists..#Kolhapur pic.twitter.com/OyuEs8niuV
