Violence broke out in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district on Wednesday, December 11, following the vandalization of a cement replica of the Indian Constitution near a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The replica was reportedly defaced by Sopan Pawar, a resident of Murtizapur village in Parbhani tehsil, who has since been arrested. Police claim Pawar is mentally unstable, a statement that has sparked public outrage.
The incident led to widespread protests organized by Ambedkar supporters, who demanded a district-wide lockdown, alleging that the act was an insult to the Constitution and linked it to caste tensions. Demonstrations soon turned violent as protestors pelted stones at each other, causing extensive damage to shops, vehicles, CCTV cameras, and hoardings. Several police officers were also attacked, forcing authorities to resort to a lathi charge to control the situation.
According to Special Inspector General Shahaji Umap of Nanded, over 50 individuals have been arrested for instigating violence and damaging public property. Prohibitory orders banning gatherings of more than five people were issued in the district, and internet services were suspended to prevent further unrest. Umap noted that the arrested individuals face multiple charges, including stone-pelting and destruction of public and private property.
The accused vandal, Sopan Pawar, was reportedly beaten by the mob before being detained and is currently receiving medical treatment. Police confirmed that documents related to his mental health were recovered, suggesting he is a “lunatic.” However, Ambedkar supporters have expressed skepticism, accusing the police of attempting to cover up the crime. Vijay Wakode, vice president of the Republican Sena, stated, “It’s the job of doctors to certify someone’s mental state, not the police. People are angry because of this approach.” Wakode and others have called for a narco-analysis test to determine whether Pawar acted independently or was part of a conspiracy.
Prominent leaders, including Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi Chief Prakash Ambedkar, condemned the vandalism, and tried to twist it by calling it a casteist act. Ambedkar alleged that Maratha miscreants were behind the incident and demanded swift action against all involved. “If all the miscreants are not arrested within the next 24 hours, consequences will follow,” he warned.
On the other hand, BJP leaders have accused the Opposition of orchestrating the unrest to provoke communal tensions. BJP leader Amar Sable stated, “The Opposition is creating a narrative against the Constitution, causing unrest. They are fueling violence to destabilize the government, especially ahead of significant events like Bhima Koregaon.”
The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the BJP’s response, with MP Sanjay Jadhav questioning their absence during the violence. “Where were BJP leaders when the rioting started? Merely giving speeches is easy, but handling consequences is tough,” Jadhav remarked, urging the administration to compensate those who suffered losses during the unrest.
District Magistrate Raghunath Khandu Gawade appealed for calm, stating that investigations were ongoing to ascertain whether the act was part of a larger conspiracy. “The accused appeared intoxicated and mentally unstable, but medical tests are being conducted to confirm his condition,” he said.
The protests culminated in arrests and further investigations. As of Friday, December 13, police reported 51 arrests and the registration of three cases related to the violence. Authorities are reviewing video evidence to identify additional culprits. The city remains under prohibitory orders, with no new incidents of violence reported.
