NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra Congress on Saturday accused the Mahayuti government of showing favoritism towards a specific community and claimed that police obstructed the party’s “fact-finding” committee from visiting areas in Nagpur that were affected by violence.
Congress leader Manikrao Thakare, who is leading the seven-member committee, questioned how the government intends to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation into the violent incidents. During a press conference, he criticized the Fadnavis administration for its inability to safeguard its citizens, alleging that its ministers frequently target a particular community and propagate hatred.
He asserted that those responsible for arson and violence, as well as those who incited it, should be held accountable. “We spoke to both Hindus and Muslims to grasp the chain of events and identify who was accountable,” Thakare stated, as reported by the news agency PTI.
He also accused the police of preventing the fact-finding committee from accessing affected locations under the guise of a curfew.
Meanwhile, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis vowed stringent action against those who instigated the riots and stated that the government would seek compensation for damages from them. “Should they fail to pay, we will seize and sell their properties,” he warned. When questioned about the potential for “Uttar Pradesh-style” actions, he remarked, “The bulldozer will be in action if required.”
Thakare, however, claimed that the police and the government were spreading “half-truths.”
“It is the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order. However, it seems that ministers and the BJP’s affiliate organizations are working actively to disrupt peace in the state. Nagpur has never witnessed such violence; it has always been a peaceful city,” he stated.
The unrest began on March 17 in Vidarbha’s largest city after misinformation circulated that a ‘chadar’ inscribed with religious scriptures was burned during a protest led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The riots resulted in injuries to 33 police personnel, including three officers of the Deputy Commissioner of Police rank.
Thakare questioned why the government allowed a protest that was aimed at provoking religious sentiments. “Generally, police do not permit any attempts to disrupt societal peace,” he pointed out.
“A representation of Aurangzeb’s grave and a green ‘chadar’ featuring verses from the Quran were burned, and there is proof,” he added.
In response to CM Fadnavis’ assertion of a conspiracy behind the violence, Thakare remarked, “If there was a conspiracy, what purpose does the government serve? The governor should dismiss the government for failing to protect all communities.”
He further questioned why only stone-pelters were being prosecuted. “What actions have been taken against those who incited the violence?” he inquired, maintaining that innocent individuals should not be targeted.
Congress MLA Vikas Thakre urged police to facilitate the operation of markets in the affected zones and proposed the creation of “all-faith peace committees” to promote harmony.
When reporters inquired if Akola MLA Sajid Pathan was the individual referred to by Fadnavis as “one of the members of the visiting panel who is an accused in the Akola violence case,” Pathan rejected the claim. “The BJP is exceeding all limits of deception. I have arrived with a message of peace, yet accusations are being hurled at me. While efforts should be directed towards restoring peace in the city, ironically, discussions revolve around committee membership,” he stated.
According to Fadnavis, authorities have identified 104 individuals based on CCTV footage and video recordings, with actions initiated against 92 individuals, including 12 minors.
