On Monday, September 11, violent clashes erupted in the Pusegaon region of Maharashtra’s Satara district following an individual’s posting of an offensive message insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These clashes resulted in two casualties and several injuries.

The Satara police have successfully identified and apprehended the individual responsible for the objectionable post insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The offender has been charged under relevant sections of the law. Additionally, 23 suspects have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the clashes.

During the clashes, two individuals lost their lives, and between 10 to 15 others sustained severe injuries, though the police officially confirmed one fatality. The police reported that members of two communities clashed in the village in response to the ‘objectionable’ social media post.

It is believed that the individual who posted the objectionable content against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the minority community. However, the police have not provided official confirmation of this detail.

Satara police and the district administration have refrained from disclosing the content and nature of the social media post that led to the clashes, citing the sensitivity of the case. They have also withheld the identities of the deceased and the 23 arrested suspects.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) office in Satara confirmed that the clashes began on September 10, a day after the controversial social media post was made. “Media reports say two casualties, but one individual has been confirmed dead, belonging to the minority community, specifically, a Muslim. All suspected individuals have been apprehended, and the instigators of the attack are yet to be identified. The person who posted the objectionable content on social media is also in custody”, stated an officer from the DSP office in Satara.

Furthermore, it was noted that a confrontation occurred between two communities, but the situation has now calmed down due to the shutdown of internet services and other measures. According to media reports, unidentified individuals gathered in Pusegaon’s main market area, setting fire to several houses and shops while causing injuries to approximately 16-17 people.

As a preventive measure, the administration has suspended internet access throughout the district and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The police have filed two cases, one for the offensive social media post and the other for threats, property damage, rioting, and violence.

The Satara Police released a statement, explaining that “some residents misunderstood the post as communal, causing a law-and-order situation on the ground.” They urged residents to remain calm and not to spread rumours.

To maintain peace, the administration has suspended internet access in the district until Tuesday night, and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) remain in effect. “The situation is under control, and people should not give in to rumours”, urged Satara Superintendent of Police Sameer Shaikh.

Inspector General Sunil Phulari of the Kolhapur range appealed to the public to uphold peace and assured that the situation is being closely monitored with additional reinforcements in place to prevent further violence.

(Featured Image Source: OpIndia)