Former MP Imtiaz Jalil and Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar seek justice for the affected Muslims
Team Clarion
AURANGABAD – The violence perpetuated by Hindutva supporters in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur areas has evoked strong reaction from notable political figures, All India Majlis-e-Ittihadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader and former Aurangabad MP Imtiaz Jalil and Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar.
The unrest, which involved vandalism and arson, has been linked to disputes over alleged encroachment in the area.
Imtiaz Jalil condemned the violence, blaming influential local political figures for the attacks targeting the Muslim community. “You went to Lok Sabha because we voted for you. And now you are taking revenge on the Muslims like this,” Jalil stated referring to Shahu Maharaj, Congress MP from Kolhapur. He criticised the involvement of Shahu Maharaj’s descendants in the violence, saying, “We respect you, but it is unfortunate that you are initiating incidents of such violence.”
Prakash Ambedkar also expressed his concerns over the violence. He attributed it to a group called J Bede’s Army, alleging their responsibility for the attacks. “There is some difference between Sambhajiraje and Shahu Maharaj, as the journalists are saying, but the statements of both show that they want to save Vishalgad,” Ambedkar noted, adding that their methods differed.
Ambedkar recounted the timeline of events, stating, “On the day when the violence broke out, there was a calm atmosphere in the area until one o’clock. But only after one o’clock, the army of Banaji Bede arrived and started beating people, ransacking houses, and setting them on fire.” He emphasised the need for a thorough investigation and justice for the affected Muslims living in the area.
“Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi demands a detailed investigation into the matter,” Ambedkar asserted. “Those residing in Vishalgad have been living there since before 1990. Many people who are involved in the protest against the alleged encroachment have vested political interests.”
