What is Bhima Koregaon anniversary; why Maharashtra in trouble; clashes, violence

Maharashtra , Jan 02: Hundreds of thousands of people gather at Bhima Koregaon every year to mark the anniversary of an 1818 war between the British and the Peshwa. Many Dalit leaders believe the war was won by the British with the help of Dalit soldiers in the regiment, who defeated a large army of the Peshwa, who were said to have instituted oppressive caste practices.

The celebrations gathered momentum in 1927 after BR Ambedkar visited the spot and called the Bhima Koregaon battle a war against caste. Historians are divided on the subject. But this year, the celebrations have been controversial with several right wing groups, such as the Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Mahasangh, calling the event anti-national.

One person died from Dalit community and four were injured after violence broke out in Maharashtra's Pune district on Monday during celebrations to mark the bicentenary of a British-era war, police said.

The violence resulted from an altercation between two groups which the government and police does not want to name.

Dalits are now protesting the death of Dalit youth due to violence unknown group members who were against the celebration.