Dalit and Marathas clashes over anniversary of Bhima Koregaon

Mumbai, Jan 02: Tension gripped several parts of Mumbai as Dalits took to streets after Monday's violence over the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune district.

As the clashes between Dalit and Maratha communities turned violent, Mumbai Police issued a statement appealing people not to believe in rumours and to verify facts with the police before posting anything on social media. Traffic in areas like Chembur, Mulund and Sion, and local trains on Harbour Line were severely affected due to protest.

Incidents of stone-pelting were reported in Mulund, Chembur, Bhandup, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Nehru Nagar in Kurla. Shops owners in these areas were forced to close their shops. Local trains on Harbour Line was affected due to 'Rail Roko' near Govandi and Chembur. Trains between CSMT to Kurla and between Mankhurd to Panvel are running.

Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, has called for a statewide bandh on Wednesday, while the Republic Party of India (RPI) has planned dharna outside all police stations. A Dalit activist from Gujarat and MLA Jignesh Mevani may visit Mumbai tomorrow to participate in the bandh, media reports suggested.