Maharashtra Dalit protests updates: Mayawati alleges BJP-RSS conspiracy; key parties stay mum over bandh

Traffic update as of now: Expect congestion at following roads

City
1. Mela Junction
2. Worli Naka
3. Malet / Orange Gate Junction.

Eastern Expressway
1.Sion Junction matunga
2.Amarmahal Junction
3.Chedanagar Junction
4.Ramabai Nagar
5. Mankhurd T Junction Govandi

LBS Road
1.Kamani jn kurla
2.Shreyas Junction Ghatkopar
3 Gandhinagar Ghatkopar

JVLR
1.IIT Powai maingate
2.Gandhinagar Ghatkopar

Eastern Freeway
 1.IOC junction mankhurd
2.Panjrapol Trombay
3.Tunnel after bhaktipark

West
 Akurli road & Samta nager

Devendra Fadnavis says CCTV footage to be monitored to probe incidents of violence

We are Maratha, he had nothing to do with protest, says family of man who was killed

The family of the youth who was killed in Moday's protests told The Times of India that he had nothing to do with the protests. 

"We have nothing to do with either the celebrations or the protests. We are Maratha. Rahul was coming home to Sanaswadi on his motorcycle early when he came to know that there was trouble and a traffic jam at Koregaon Bhima," his youngest brother Tushar said. 

Tushar said it was his brother's bad luck. " It took one stone to kill my brother. There was heavy stone pelting at Koregaon Bhima. But just that one stone thrown by someone at Sanaswadi snuffed out his life and nobody knows where it came from," he said.

Amravati hit by complete shut down, stray incidents of violence reported

 Responding to the call given by Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar, a total bandh was observed in Amravati. Protesters submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Governor through resident deputy collector Nitin Vyavahare.

Maratha outfit Sakal Maratha Kranti Morcha demands action against violent protesters

Traffic situation normalised on Western Express Highway until Dahisar Naka, says Mumbai Police

Route between South Mumbai and Airport completely cleared: Mumbai Police

Prakash Ambedkar calls off Maharashtra bandh

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar called off Maharashtra bandh after a day of unrest

Dalit protesters demand Milind Ekbote be charged with murder

"Unlike those in other states, we in Maharashtra have been responsible. We have not done drastic acts. But despite this, the exploitation of our community has continued. The Peshwa Raj has not ended. Ekbote should be charged with murder. We will protest until that's done. We are not resorting to any sort of violence but are co-operating with the police. We want our voice to be heard," says Nitin Dinkar Shelar, 40, a social worker from Pune.

Input from Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

All tracks on Central Railways cleared 

Film, TV shoots affected, some cancelled due to Maharashtra Bandh

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The state-wide bandh called by Dalit groups affected the film and television industry with some shoots being disrupted and others being cancelled as a precautionary measure. 

A song launch event of Kartik Aryan's upcoming film "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety" scheduled for today at a popular suburban restaurant was cancelled.

There was an ad shoot lined up for today but it is not happening now. No shoots are currently happening at the studio," a functionary from Mehboob studio said. 

With inputs from PTI

Aurangabad police starts combing operation to arrest protesters resorting to violence

Aurangabad Police have begun combing operation at Ambedkar Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Shambhu Nagar and Jawahar colony area, said a source from police department. Another source claimed that more than 35 miscreants have been taken into custody as a safety measure.

Input from Aarteeshymal Joshi/101Reporters

Maharashtra home ministry says no Dalit killed in Bhima Koregaon violence

Watch: Dalit groups protest outside residence of Milind Ekbote, the man allegedly behind Bhima-Koregaon incident

A group of protesters have surrounded the residence of Milind Ekbote, the man charged for orchestrating violence during celebrations of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon on Monday. A large group of protesters were gathered outside his home in Model Colony area in Pune.

Courtesy Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

Traffic in Mumbai's Western suburb partially cleared; Harbour line services restored

Traffic on Mumbai roads are slowly being restored to normal. According to latest reports, the Western Express Highway, which was chockablocked, until late afternoon has started clearing up. Traffic on Western Expressway near Dahisar Naka and Aarey Junction is moving now, however, the stretch near Thakur village is still clocked. Worli sea face road is clear, however, some traffic is reported from near Worli Naka. Western Suburbs, including borivali, Kandivali and Goregaon are still partially hit by protests.

Watch: Protesters torched private vehicle outside Godrej facility, Vikhroli

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University remained closed for the entire day

Image Courtesy: Aarteeshymal Joshi/101Reporters

War of words in Parliament over Bhima-Koregaon incident

As pandemonium broke out in the Rajya Sabha soon after the triple talaq bill was introduced, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Opposition is using the issue of Bhima-Koregaon violence to deliberately prevent the passage of the bill. 

The Opposition, which was demanding the prime minister's statement on the issue, reacted strongly to the statement and Prasad was shouted down. 

"We condemn the statement by Law Minister, that we are raising Bhima-Koregaon violence issue to stall the bill. We have been raising the issue of Dalit atrocities as this government is anti-Dalit," senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said in Rajya Sabha. 

Ambedkar Samaj supporters tried to barge into Mumbai collector's office 

Ambedkari Samaj, comprising of several Bahujan organisations, had come together to protest the Bhima-Koregaon attack on Monday. A delegation had gone to meet the Mumbai collector and submit a memorandum on the issue.  

However, after the Dalit leaders' group realised that the collector is not in office and their memorandum won't be accepted, agitated Ambedkari Samaj members tried to force their way into collector's office building. Kherwadi Police eventually closed the gates and prevented a break-in when women protesters took lead and tried to barge in. 

Inputs from Geeta Desai/101reporters

The men behind Maharashtra bandh: Sambhaji Bhide, Milind Ekbote

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On Tuesday, a criminal case was filed against two pro-Hindutva leaders, Milind Ekbote of Samast Hindu Aghadi, and Sambhaji Bhide of Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, under charges of orchestrating violence during celebrations of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon on Monday. The two organisations had opposed the celebration of "British victory" in the battle.

Reports claimed that it's no surprise that the duo haven't been arrested yet as both have deep links with the RSS and wield considerable clout within the ruling dispensation in the state and at the Centre.

In the run-up to the 2014 General Election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Sangli "especially" to meet Bhide and had said that he had come to see 'Guruji' not on his request but on his order. Both Modi and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, top leaders of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra, were seen seeking Bhide's in the run-up to the elections in 2014.

Another instance that shows the clout that Bhide enjoys is when the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis halted his helicopter convoy to meet with Bhide and discuss an "imperative political matter."

Protesters from different parts of Pune join the protest

This group of protesters is from Kothrud area in Pune. They are marching towards the Ambedkar statue near Pune station.

​Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

RSS blames Leftists for violence 

While denying any involvement in the ongoing caste violence in Maharashtra, the right-wing group has blamed the "JNU brigade" for the violence in the state. 

Prakash Ambedkar discusses situation with Mumbai Police

A protester in Pune warning everyone to adhere to the bandh and avoid losses

Gunwanti Paraste/101reporters

Stone pelting, road blockades reported in Nagpur 

Several markets and most schools in the city remained closed with protest marches taken out in many sensitive areas. Joint Commissioner of Police Shivaji Bodhke told PTI that two incidents of stone pelting were reported in the city. A man got injured in stone pelting in New Kamptee area, he said. Protesters blocked a road in Hingna area while tyres were set on fire on roads at some places, he said, adding that tight security arrangements have been made across the city. 

Situation in Goregaon

Police making way for Virar train to arrive at Goregaon. The train towards churchgate was allowed to go after being stopped by protesters for 30 minutes.

Input from Yael Ajgarni

Outstation train held up at Kurla station

Mumbai-Hyderabad Hussain Sagar Express was held up just before it reached Kurla station. 

Update from Malad

Protesters at Mith Chowky Malad disperse; some stay back, some move towards Marve Road. Vehicles have begun to ply on the road again. 

Nilesh Mainkar, a peaceful protester in Pune, says that Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar has his support.

Gunwanti Paraste/101reporters

Vandalism at Dombivali station

Ticket window vandalized at Dombivali station. All up/down trains stopped till further notice. 

Input from Anshul Vipat

Stone pelting between Mankhurd and Govandi station

Miscreants pelted stones at trains between Mankhurd and Govandi stations on the Harbour line. No injuries to anyone. Trains more or less empty.

Protest outside Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi

Students belonging to AISA are protesting against the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra, reports CNN-News18. The student protesters are demanding judicial probe against those responsible for the violence. 

This BJP government is a Brahmin government, says student leaders

Akash Mane, student leader and Shivajinagar head of Bharat Mukta Morcha, is an arts student at Abasaheb Garware College. He says that Marathas and the Bahujan Samaj are together. "People should know they have the power. This BJP government is a Brahmin government. They are trying to bring communal strife among the Maratha and Bahujan Samaj. We don't want any violence.  Media and the police don't pay attention to our issues, so we decided to conduct this rally."

Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

Fast trains towards Thane stuck at Kurla

While special trains running between Kurla and CST from platform 3. Meanwhile, Harbour line running on time. 

Stone pelting in Aurangabad

Situation in Bandra

Jignesh Mevani has nothing to do with violence

CNN-News18 reports of lathicharge in Chembur 

Ambedkarites and RPI supporters gather near Chetna College at Bandra East

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Geeta Desai/101reporters

Mumbai traffic updates

• Avoid using Worli naka. Use Worli sea face road.
• Traffic on Western Expressway near Dahisar Naka and Aarey Jn is clear now. However, still affected near Thakur village.
• Traffic on Eastern Freeway is clear now.

Congress slams BJP for Bhima-Koregaon violence

"Caste-related violence is on the rise in the country. We need to find out who has instigated the further protests. The RSS and other Hindutva organisations are trying to drive a wedge between the Marathas and Dalits in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is silent on the issue, he should come and speak on the floor of the house. He is a 'Mauni Baba' regarding the issue of Dalits. We (Congress) demand an inquiry by a Supreme Court judge," says leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge.

Visual near Infinity Mall, Andheri

Mithibai college postpones prelims exam

According to reports, today's prelims exam will be conducted on 14 January. 

Now, rasta roko on Western Expressway

1.15 pm: Scenes in Mumbai's Bhandup 

image courtesy: Sheon Dias

Trains halted in Dadar

CNN-News18 is reporting that railway services have been halted in Western as well as Central lines in Dadar. 

Watch: Traffic has been rerouted in Powai

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Video courtesy: Abhishek Kardak

Buses not being allowed to ply on Pune roads

Pune Municipal Transport buses brought to a halt at Deccan in Pune. Protesters are not letting the driver move the bus. 

Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

BEST buses vandalised in Powai

Protesters garland Sambhaji Maharaj's statue in Pune

Protesters garland Sambhaji Maharaj's statue amid calls of Jai Bhim and Sambhaji Maharaj ki Jai. The protest is proceeding peacefully under the watchful eye of the police. The protesters too are cooperating by letting traffic proceed without much trouble.

Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

No cancellation of long distance trains, says Western Railway

Remaining services of AC local suspended for the day in view of protests.Other suburban services are being run amid intermittent protests at Elphinstone Rd,Goregaon,Dadar, Malad.There is no cancellation of long distance trains, informs Western Railway.

"Please don't rely on rumours and only follow official updates, adds Western Railway. 

AC locals on Western line suspended for the day

Dalit activists protest in Ghatkopar 

A gathering of protesters at Pimpri-Chinchwad in Pune

Gunwanti Paraste/101reporters

Ghatkopar station finally cleared 

Metro, BEST services affected in Andheri

Metro services have been stopped in Andheri now. BEST buses also been stopped in Andheri. 

BEST buses stranded in Malad

BEST buses are stranded on all four roads converging in Malad. Parents are taking their kids home walking. 

Train services resume on Western Line

Situation in Pune's Fergusson College

Protesters stop a bus and made commuters get out at Ferguson college road in Pune. Cops and other protestors try to control the situation. Some protesters apologise to the bus driver for the trouble caused to him.

Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

Dalits holding peaceful rally in Pune

The rally is progressing towards an Ambedkar statue at Deccan, on Garware Bridge. "We will conduct a peaceful rally, and abide by the bandh peacefully. We are going from Gokhalenagar to put a garland on Sambhaji Maharaja Putala at Garware bridge. Then we will go to BR Ambedkar statue near station and give letter to Collector that all the people behind this incident get arrested," said Sanjay Motling, teacher in Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. He is the Maharashtra coordinator of Boudha Sangarsh Samiti. 

Shatakshi Gawade/101reporters

Traffic update

Commuters are advised to  avoid using Western Express Highway and use S V road instead. 

Situation in Bandra's Pali Naka area

Bus station deserted in Pune

Usually one of the busiest areas in Pune, Swargate bus stop wears a deserted look.

Gunwanti Paraste/101reporters

Mumbai university circular to give 1 hour grace time to attend today's exams

12.15 pm: Protesters block road in Malad

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Image courtesy: Neerja Deodhar

Train services have been affected

Metro services at Ghatkopar and airport stations were suspended as a precautionary measure. Local train service at Harbour Line was disrupted following protests at Gowadi. Bus services to Satara and Baramati town were suspended this morning, say reports. 

Security beefed up outside Delhi's Maharashtra Sadan

Huge crowd disrupt services in Ghatkopar

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Image from Jigar Mehta

Dalit activists march in Dahisar 

Video by Hrishikesh Berde

Shops forcibly being shut down in NM Joshi Marg

Situation in Goregaon, Mumbai

Commuters in a BEST bus stopped in front of Inorbit mall in Goregaon. Protestors are forcing commuters out.

Nivedita Niranjankumar/101reporters

Protests intensify in Nagpur

Metro services affected

Metro services stopped between Asalfa and Ghatkopar Metro station by protestors, says disaster control room.

Nivedita Niranjankumar/101reporters

Rasta roko at Ghatkopar

10.30 am: Situation in Elphinstone Road 

Video by Jay Shah

Protesters sit on road since 10 am

Maharashtra bandh affects exams 

In view of the state-wide bandh, the Maharashtra State examination council, Pune, has cancelled the computer typing examination which was to be held today. The same will now be held on Sunday. 

Nivedita Niranjankumar/101Reporters

10.30 am: Dalit lawyers from Aurangabad bench of the Mumbai high court wear black ribbons in support of Maharashtra bandh

Aarteeshymal Joshi/101Reporters

Ramdas Athawale appeals to protesters

"I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. As for someone like Jignesh Mevani, he has no role in all of this," says Ramdas Athawale. 

Eastern Expressway blocked in Ghatkopar

The Eastern Expressway has been blocked by hundreds of activists at Ghatkopar, reports CNN-News18. 

Disturbances in Mumbai

According to CNN-News18, protesters have forced people travelling from buses in Ghatkopar and Goregaon to get down. According to the report, protesters are stopping buses and allowing only empty buses to go ahead. In addition, the Barkat Ali Road in Wadala too has been closed by the police. 

Railway services resume on Western line

Railway tracks  have been evacuated and train operations have resumed at Nallasopara/Virar from 10.30 am, says Western Railway. 

Suburban services update of Central Railway  - 9.30 to 10.30 am

The suburban train services on Central Railway,  Mumbai Division's Main line, Harbour and Transharbour line are running uninterrupted except for few minutes agitation at Diwa, Titwala and Vasind but the Railway staff, RPF and GRP officials cleared the path immediately and  train services resumed unhindered. Due to this agitation of 10 minutes, a couple of trains were delayed for 5-10 minutes.

Sunil Udasi 
CPRO CRLY

Security tightened across Pune

Bandh situation in Maharashtra

The shutdown evoked greater response in mofussil areas compared to urban pockets of Thane, Nagpur, Pune and other cities, reported IANS. The coastal Konkan region reported a near-total shutdown, as also Dalit strongholds of Marathwada like Beed, Latur, Solapur, Jalgaon, Dhule, Ahmednagar, Nashik and Palghar.

10.45 am: Protesters stop trains in Nalasopara 

Inputs from Nivedita Niranjankumar/101Reporters

Rail services affected on Western line as protesters occupy tracks at Nalasopara

Inter-state buses between Maharashtra and Karnataka affected too

BEST buses not running on this route: 

 Kandivali- Akurli, Dindoshi-Hanuman Nagar, Chandivali-Sangharsh Nagar, Khairani Rd- Sakinaka, Sahar Cargo, Mulund Check Naka, Jijamata Nagar. Fortunately, there has been no stone pelting incidents in Mumbai so far. 

Input from Sanjay Sawant

Pappu Yadav, too, gives adjournment motion in Lok Sabha

ANI is reporting that Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) leader and Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over the caste violence in Maharashtra.

Now, CPI too issues adjournment motion 

CPI leader D Raja gives zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha over "increasing atrocities against Dalits", reports ANI.

After Naresh Agrawal, Congress issues adjournment motion in LS

Internet services suspended in Aurangabad

Life is as usual in most parts of Mumbai

Some autos and taxis were seen plying in various areas, but the famed Dabbawalas cancelled their services for the day. Many shops and establishments also opened for work as usual in the city and suburbs and there were the familiar crowds on roads and highways, reported IANS.

Naresh Agarwal issues adjournment motion on Bhima Koregaon violence

Protesters gathering at Ramabai Nagar in Goregaon

Visual from Kalyan's Nehru Chowk

Image courtesy: Omkar Patne

Parents frightned to send children, say schools

Trains running normally in Pune division

Bandh situation in Dadar

While the fish market in Dadar is shut for the day, the flower market, however, is bustling as usual. 

Mob pelts stones on bus at Aurangabad 

A mob pelted stones towards a private bus which was on educational tour in Aurangabad district. Around 40 students from Gagangiri Vidyalaya, Pandharpur tehsil, Solapur district were on board. A teacher and a student are injured in the incident. The incident occurred around 7 am today near Deogiri school, Daultabad fort, 13 km from Aurangabad.

Aarteeshymal Joshi/101Reporters

Video: Trains are delayed at Borivali station

Video courtesy: Hrushikesh Berde

Many schools shut in Thane

Western Railway affected too...

Trains are running late by at least 30 minutes from Borivali, an important junction on the Western Railway. 

Input from Jay Mehta

Dalit activists protest in Thane's Teen Haath Naka

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Image procured by Sanjay Sawant

Visual from Borivali station

Image courtesy: Hrushikesh Berde

Mumbai Police takes action

WATCH: Protesters block rail service at Goregaon station

Input from Tony George 

CPM demonstration at Vasai in support of Maharashtra Bandh

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Image procured by Sanjay Sawant

Visuals from Goregaon station 

Image procured by Firstpost

Rail roko ends in Virar

Protesters tried to disrupt rail services in Virar at about 8.30 am. however, after a 10 minute disturbance, the police was able to re-start the train services from Virar. 

Rajnath Singh to make a statement in Lok Sabha

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be making a statement on the ongoing caste violence in Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, reports CNN-News18. 

Mumbai Police message to citizens

"Do not believe in or spread rumours and continue with the daily activities. The Police administration is there and geared up to deal with any untoward situations," says Mumbai Police. 

Visuals from Pune  ST bus band: Pune-Baramati route also affect

Image procured by Sanjay Sawant

Dabbawalas off the roads today

Dabbawalas will be off Mumbai roads today

Dabbawala association spokesperson Subhash Talekar told mediapersons that they won't be delivering tiffins to people fearing the law and order issues in the city. 

Don't believe in rumours, says Central Railways

"Please don't believe in rumours. Central Railway will keep you posted with hourly updates," Sunil Udasi, CPRO of the Central Railways tells citizens. 
 

Section 144 imposed in Thane

Trains running normally in Central Railway

Few protestors tried to disrupt Railway services at Thane but were immediately cleared by RPF and GRP officials.  Services are running uninterrupted on Central Railway as of now, said Central Railway. 

Rail roko by protesters at Thane 

image courtesy: Sanjay Sawant

Security beefed up in eastern suburbs 

Protesters stop train at Thane station

Section 144 imposed in Thane

RSS leader Manmohan Vaidya issues official statement on Maharashtra violence

Anil Garg, chief of Mumbai school buses owners association, speaks

"How can we take the risk? In the morning too, six buses were stoned in Chembur area of Mumbai. We will take a call at 11 am for the second shift. We have to think about the safety of children and cabs and autos too are not working as usual in Mumbai," Anil Garg told CNN-News18. 

Here is Manjul's take on caste violence in Maharashtra

Security tightened across Mumbai 

According to CNN-News18, battalions of Rapid Action Force have been deployed in Mumbai, especially in eastern suburbs like Chembur, which was affected by violence on Tuesday. 

Blame game begins over Maharashtra violence

Won't run school buses in the morning, says school bus association chief

Mumbaikars faced traffic issues on Tuesday

Shops closed in Chembur

Traffic Police in Mumbai taking precautionary measures

RECAP: What happened in Koregaon Bhima on 1 January 

The disturbances erupted in the village of Koregaon-Bhima on 1 January during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Anglo-Maratha War between the army of Peshwa Bajirao II with a small force of the East India Company that comprised a large number of Dalits.

Several lakhs of Dalits had congregated around the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) erected by the British in Sanaswadi village when suddenly stone pelting started, allegedly by some right-wing groups carrying saffron flags.

In the clashes that ensued between the two groups, more than 30 vehicles, including buses, police vans and private vehicles, were torched or damaged and one youth, Rahul Fatangale, 28 of Nanded lost his life.

MSRTC buses damaged in violence across Maharashtra

Protests and violent incidents were witnessed in other parts of the state, including Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Beed, Nashik, Pune, Solapur, Thane and Palghar as Dalits expressed their ire over Monday's incidents in Koregaon-Bhima in Pune district.

At least 25 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, besides private luxury buses and other vehicles, were damaged in stone pelting by riotous mobs, reported IANS.

Jignesh Mevani to be in Mumbai today

Additional security across Maharashtra 

RPI(A) to not participate in the bandh 

Updates for 3 January 2018 begin

Road traffic normal in Navi Mumbai, says DCP Nitin Pawar

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DCP Nitin Pawar has assued that there is no congestion on the routes in Navi Mumbai. He said: "Traffic situation is absolutely Normal in Navi Mumbai. Only heavy vehicles like trucks, containers- trailers are stopped on road-side at convenient places so that they should not cause any  inconvenience on Eastern Express Highway (EEH)/Chembur area and no more congestion should be allowed on EEH. This stoppage of heavy vehicles is not affecting flow of traffic in Navi Mumbai."

Award-winning sculptor loses artwork worth Rs 50 lakh

Eldine Fernandes, a national award-winning sculptor, lost over Rs 50 lakh worth of paintings, sculptures, equipment in the violence on Monday. He had been working in this studio which was burnt to the ground by the ravaging mob.

A Christian himself, he had statues of BR Ambedkar, Shivaji, different animals, angels, all stored in his studio by the side of the road in Bhima Koregaon. 

Inputs from Shatakshi Gawade/101Reporters

Key political parties stay mum on stand for bandh called by Dalit group

The bandh called by Dalit groups tomorrow has been supported by Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh chief Prakash Ambedkar and CPM. However, no main political parties from Maharashtra, mainly Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, MNS have extended their support till now.

Jet Airways, Air India waive off cancellation charges from Mumbai due to ongoing volatile situation in the state.

CPM supports Maharashtra bandh 'to denounce violence by casteist forces' against Dalits 

In a press release, CPM has said that the bandh will condemn the "entire manner in which the BJP-led state government headed by Devendra Fadnavis handled the situation."

The Left party has alleged that "no action was taken" ahead of New Year, even though the state government was "well aware that lakhs would gather to commemorate the 200th anniversary of this battle."

CPM criticised the fact that no arrests have been made for the death of Rahul Fatangale, the Dalit youth who was killed on Monday during the violence. "It appears that this violence has been deliberately engineered by right wing forces to incite casteist and communal polarisation in the state," the party said.

However, CPM has appealed for a "peaceful and democratic" protest.

Lesser cabs ply in view of violence

Fewer Ola, Uber taxis are seen on the roads in Mumbai. The drivers are reportedly preferring to stay out of roads as a precautionary measure.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleges political conspiracy

Speaking to Times Now, Sanjay Raut said: "The incident has not happened suddenly. There is a political conspiracy behind this. Some force wants to break Maharashtra. The government needs to ponder why these incidents have increased. Since the time this govt has come into existence,,these things have been happening."

Seven police personnel injured in clashes in Mumbai, reports CNN-News18

Prakash Ambedkar calls for Maharashtra bandh on Wednesday

Three FIR registered related to the violence but no arrests made so far, reports CNN-News18

Over 100 people detained so far by Mumbai Police, reports CNN-News18

Mumbai Police updates on traffic congestion on Eastern Express Highway

In view of the traffic congestion at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, Cheda Nagar and Kamraj Nagar on the Eastern Express Highway, Mumba Police has advised the people to avoid these roads for the moment:

1. Vikroli north and south bound diverted to LBS road.
2. JVLR  partly diverted towards Saki Vihar

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People have been advised to instead go through LBS Road, where traffic is moving though slow.

All MSRTC govt buses from Pune to Mumbai cancelled

A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) official at Breman Chowk bus stop in Pune has confirmed that ​all MSRTC buses from Pune to Mumbai have been cancelled for the day. 

"Those who had reserved tickets will be refunded soon," he has said.

Buses to Dadar, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kohlapur from Pune have stood cancelled since around 1 pm.

Shops made to shut in Ghatkopar

Apart from the medical shops, every other shop has been made to shut in Amrut Nagar area of Ghatkopar West. SM Shetty school in Hiranandani, Powai, has informed the parents to pick up their kids from the school.

Majeed Memon slams BJP-Shiv Sena govt in Maharashtra

NCP leader Majeed Memon hit out at Maharashtra government over the violence in parts of Mumbai and Pune. Speaking to CNN-News18, He said: "The present govt is literally no government, There is no coordination between Shiv Sena and BJP. Judicial enquiry (ordered by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis) is only for self-satisfaction. You have to come down on the streets and see that the violence is stopped forthwith."

Would Dalit leader's call for bandh make an impact?

Following the incident at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, national leader of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh Prakash Ambedkar has called for a Maharashtra shutdown on Thursday. However, it is to be seen if the call would have any real impact on the ground as the political entity doesn't command enough hold in state politics.

Bus services from Pune to Mumbai affected

State government buses aren't plying on schedule from Pune to Mumbai. Speculation is that disturbances on the expressway near Mumbai is the reason. Pune-Mumbai Shivneri buses are running behind schedule by over an hour currently.

Massive protests at Chembur skywalk, reports Times now

Dalit protestors block highway in Sion, reports India Today

Several schools, colleges in Mumbai shut in view of violence, reports India Today

Fadnavis order CID probe, Ramdas Athawale says he has appealed to protestors for calm

​Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has told reporters that he will order a CID probe. Meanwhile, Union minister Ramdas Athawale has told Times Now that he has appealed to Dalits and his supporters to maintain calm.

Train services hit on Harbour line

Devendra Fadnavis appeals for calm, says attack could be well-planned conspiracy

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis made an appeal for calm in the state and said that it was the police that bought the situation under control.

"Some vehicles were burnt but police controlled the situation. All the people present at the event were escorted by the police and safely taken to their respective homes. One person was killed and we have launched a probe. If policemen weren't there in sufficient numbers, the situation could be much worse," he said.

Devendra Fadnavis acts on alleged attacks at Bhima Koregaon event near Pune