Violence broke out in Parbhani following vandalism of the symbolic copy of the Constitution of India installed next to the statue of Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
Team Clarion
PARBHANI — Widespread violence erupted in Parbhani recently following desecration of the Constitution replica near the Parbhani City railway station in Maharashtra. The replica was part of the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar near the district collector’s office. The incident triggered stone-pelting, vandalism, and clashes that forced the police to retreat temporarily. Authorities have since brought the situation under control with reinforcement from the Reserve Police Force (RPF) and have arrested 50 people in connection with the unrest.
The violence began on December 10 evening when an individual climbed onto the statue of Dr Ambedkar and damaged the symbolic copy of the Constitution. Local residents apprehended the man and assaulted him before police intervened and took him into custody. The act provoked widespread anger, leading to protests that escalated into vandalism and even the halting of trains at Parbhani station.
Despite efforts to contain the unrest, Wednesday (Dec 11) saw further chaos, including attacks on police vehicles and stone-pelting. Videos circulating on social media depict women chasing police personnel with sticks and stones, while other clips show officers fleeing the scene in their vehicles to avoid injury.
Inspector General (IG) Shahji Umap of the Nanded Range confirmed that nine police personnel, including a sub-inspector, sustained injuries during the violence. Authorities have imposed Section 187 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to maintain order and have launched an investigation using CCTV footage to identify suspects. Thus far, eight separate cases have been registered.
“We are investigating the matter with utmost care,” said District Magistrate Raghunath Gowda. “Those found innocent will not face any action. We have all the evidence required to proceed against the culprits.”
In an attempt to de-escalate tensions, Mr Gowda personally visited the site of the vandalism to offer respects to Dr Ambedkar’s statue. However, during Wednesday’s bandh, his office was stormed by a group of women who vandalised the premises and damaged property, including chairs.
Prominent leaders, including Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar, have appealed for calm and urged citizens to maintain peace, emphasising that the individual responsible for the desecration has already been apprehended.
