CM Fadnavis on Koregaon-Bhima riot: Don't believe in rumours; orders probe

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a judicial inquiry into deadly clashes that erupted during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the of the Koregaon-Bhima battle in Pune.

One person died after a group, opposed to the celebration due to the "British victory" in the Battle of Koregaon, clashed with a rally of Dalits making its way the Koregaon Bhima battle memorial.

CM Fadnavis said he has ordered an inquiry to find out the exact circumstances of the death and said people "should not believe in rumours".

"Around 3 lakh people had gathered (for the Koregaon-Bhima battle anniversary celebrations). Some people tried to create a serious scene. But six companies (of security personnel) were posted. Police promptly controlled the situation and averted a major problem," Fadnavis said.

"We have ordered a judicial probe in the incident under a sitting HC judge," the chief minister added. "Rs 10 lakh compensation for the next to kin of the deceased (has been announced)."

"I appeal political parties to refrain from making any decisive statements," Fadnavis also said, a sly reference to Opposition parties alleging the role of 'right-wing' forces in the violence seen at Bhima Koregaon yesterday.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar said he had spoken to locals who alleged that "some outsiders who belonged to right-wing organisations provoked the violence". Meanwhile, the Congress claimed the violence that took place was "completely pre-meditated."

The violence took place during an annual trek Dalits make to mark the anniversary of the 1818 Battle of Koregaon, in which British forces defeated an army of Peshwas.

(With inputs from Kamlesh Sutar in Mumbai)

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