Mumbai. Amid news coming in from across the nation about Muslims attacking Hindus during Holi celebrations, another news of a mob desecrating ‘Holika Dahan’ by throwing water on the Holi bonfire in Dharashiv (Osmanabad) district. The incident took place on Mar 24 (Sunday) in Khwaja Nagar and Ganesh Nagar areas.
As per media reports, on the night of Mar 24, when Hindus started their Holi celebration, a Muslim group first objected the celebration and eventually threw water on the ‘Holi bonfire’. The mob then also verbally abused Hindus.
It is important to note that Hindus have been peacefully celebrating Holi on the same road, on the same spot, since a considerable period without facing any oppose from the Muslims in the region until this year. The construction of the mosque is comparatively a recent development. This is the first time that Muslims have objected the practice.
The argument eventually turned into a scuffle. The communal riot like situation erupted after Muslims started pelting stones on Hindu residence at around 12 PM, with similar response being received by Hindus.
सोशल मिडीयावर बारीक नजर ठेवण्यासाठी सोशल मिडीया माॅनिटरींग सेल अॅक्टीवेट करण्यात आले असून आक्षेपार्ह पोस्ट प्रसारीत करणा-या इसमांवर कडक कायदेशीर कारवाई करण्यात येणार – मा. पोलीस अधीक्षक श्री अतुल कुलकर्णीhttps://t.co/CYnJYNOsc3
— धाराशिव पोलीस – Dharashiv Police (@OsmanabadPolice) March 26, 2024
Meanwhile, the police reached the spot after getting information about the incident. To control the situation, police fired 3 tear gas canisters, following which the crowd thinned out. The police have appealed the citizens to maintain peace and the situation is now under control.
A case has been registered in the Dharashiv city police station. The police have registered a case against more than 125 people under section 307 and other sections. Also, three people have been arrested. So, many vehicles and shops have been damaged in the stone pelting incident. Also, 4-5 people are reported to be injured. Police informed that other accused are also being searched and they will also be arrested.
It is being said that the communal riot like situation erupted following the YouTube journalist Altaf Sheikh incited Muslims against the Hindus. Through his youtube channel he not only incited Muslims but also try to pinned blame of incident on Hindus.
Inputs – NewsBharati
