Violence hits Mumbai and Aurangabad as Dalit-Maratha clashes over Bhima Koregaon event turns ugly

1/8

An event led by Dalits to mark the 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune district, in which forces of the East India Company defeated Peshwa’s army, turned violent in several cities across Maharashtra on Tuesday. Geeta Desai/101reporters

An event led by Dalits to mark the 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune...

2/8

In Mumbai, protests and road blockades brought the city to a halt. Shops and business establishments were shut after the protest turned violent in several parts of Mumbai including Chembur, Vikhroli, Mankhurd and Govandi. Geeta Desai/101reporters

In Mumbai, protests and road blockades brought the city to a halt. Shops and business...

3/8

Hundreds of people stalled train operations at Chembur, forcing railways to shut operations in Harbour line. They also blocked traffic on the roads, including on the Sion Panvel highway. Geeta Desai/101reporters

Hundreds of people stalled train operations at Chembur, forcing railways to shut operations in...

4/8

As a precautionary measure, several schools and colleges in Mumbai were closed. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in several parts of the city. Geeta Desai/101reporters

As a precautionary measure, several schools and colleges in Mumbai were closed. Authorities have...

5/8

Protests also rocked Aurangabad on Tuesday, forcing police to impose Section 144 in several parts the city. Aarteeshymal Joshi/ 101Reporters

Protests also rocked Aurangabad on Tuesday, forcing police to impose Section 144 in several parts...

6/8

On Monday, a person had died as a group, opposed to the celebrations due to the "British victory" in the battle, clashed with Dalits rallying their way to the battle memorial in Koregoan. Aarteeshymal Joshi/ 101Reporters

On Monday, a person had died as a group, opposed to the celebrations due to the "British victory"...

7/8

Various Dalit groups have called for a statewide bandh on Wednesday, even as Fadnavis has appealed for calm and peace, saying Maharashtra is a progressive state which does not believe in casteist violence. Aarteeshymal Joshi/ 101Reporters

Various Dalit groups have called for a statewide bandh on Wednesday, even as Fadnavis has...

8/8

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory in Koregoan battle, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community — then considered untouchable — were part of the East India Company's forces. However, some right-wing groups in Pune had opposed the celebration. Aarteeshymal Joshi/ 101Reporters

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory in Koregoan battle, as it is believed that soldiers...