Locals accused of raising slogans; police register case against four
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – In what seems to be a deliberate act of provocation, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) parade, known as Pith Sanchalan, passed through a Muslim-majority area for the first time sparking tensions in Ratnagiri this Dussehra. The incident, which unfolded in ‘Kokan Nagar’, has led to allegations of slogan shouting by local Muslim residents, provoking a response from members of the BJP and the Sakal Hindu Samaj. Police acted swiftly to control the situation, registering cases against four individuals.
The parade is a traditional RSS event held annually before Dussehra. This year, the route was altered to include Kokan Nagar, a Muslim-majority locality. According to eyewitness accounts, RSS ‘Swayam Sevaks,’ dressed in their customary uniform, marched through the area, accompanied by a police escort.
As they passed through one of the streets, a small group of locals was seen standing nearby. It was during this moment that a slogan was allegedly raised by one of the locals. Some reports suggest this act was influenced by a former corporator. This purported slogan quickly sparked anger among BJP and Sakal Hindu Samaj members, who were already on the scene.
“Someone shouted ‘Allah-o-Akbar’ during the parade, and that’s what triggered the whole situation,” said Rajesh Sawant, the BJP district president. “Our religious sentiments were hurt. We demand action against those responsible.”
Following the incident, BJP leaders, including former MLA Balmane Sachin Wharkar and members of Sakal Hindu Samaj, rushed to the police station, demanding that cases be registered against those involved. They staged a dharna until the police complied.
A senior officer from Kokan Nagar Police Station confirmed that a case was filed against four Muslim locals. “We have registered two separate FIRs, and notices have been sent to all the accused. So far, no arrests have been made,” the officer said.
Media Reports and Political Reaction
The incident quickly gained media attention, with some mainstream outlets offering conflicting reports. India TV claimed there was stone-pelting during the parade, while Republic TV described the scene as a “commotion.”
The situation further escalated when Maharashtra politician Nitesh Rane shared a video of the incident on social media. In a strongly-worded tweet, Rane accused local Muslims of deliberately attempting to disrupt the RSS parade. “Some ‘jihadi-minded’ people raised slogans of ‘Allah-o-Akbar’ to spoil the peaceful march of the RSS,” Rane said. “These are the same people who want to turn this Hindu-majority country into an Islamic state.”
Rane urged the state government to take swift action and called for unity among Hindus. “We need to be cautious and unite against such elements. The government must deal with them sternly,” he added.
Police Maintain Control
Despite the tensions, the police were able to control the situation. Additional forces were deployed in the area to prevent any flare-ups, and authorities continue to monitor the locality closely.
This is the first instance of the RSS parade entering a Muslim-dominated area in Ratnagiri, raising concerns about the route and whether it was a deliberate move. Locals from both communities have expressed their apprehensions, but so far, no major incidents of violence have been reported.
With the police investigation underway and political parties weighing in, the situation remains tense but under control.