Miraj : Muslim mob pelts stones at a Hindu youth’s house over allegedly offensive remarks

• Mob attacks nearby shops with stones

• Police resort to mild lathi charge

• Religious extremists raise slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” !

Miraj (Sangli District), October 8th – Tension gripped Miraj city on the night of October 7th, when a group of Muslims used “hurt sentiments” as an excuse to spark unrest. Enraged mobs hurled stones at the house of a Hindu youth in the Nadives area, forcing shopkeepers across the city to shut down their businesses. Political banners were torn down, and chaos ensued. During the rampage, extremists also shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans. Police rushed to the scene and dispersed the crowd with a mild lathi charge. A heavy police presence was deployed across Miraj through the night.

Muslim mob brutally assaults a Hindu youth !

In the Nadives locality’s Koli Galli, a group of Hindu and Muslim youths; known to each other; were chatting when an argument turned ugly. Both sides allegedly made provocative remarks. Subsequently, Muslims associated with one youth gathered and severely assaulted the Hindu boy. He managed to escape and take shelter at a nearby location, but the mob pursued him. Some locals intervened and brought him safely to the police station. The angry mob soon gathered outside the station, demanding strict action against the Hindu youth. Even after police assured them of legal proceedings, the mob remained unsatisfied.

Mob tears down Goddess banners !

The furious crowd pelted heavy stones at the Hindu youth’s home. Police tried to pacify the mob but were met with resistance. The mob tore down political posters and 2 banners depicting the Goddess that had been installed for Navratri celebrations. Some members even attempted to charge at the police. Officers then resorted to mild force to disperse them. Riot-control teams were deployed throughout Miraj, and police intensified patrolling.

No leniency for rumour-mongers – Superintendent of Police

Superintendent of Police Sandeep Ghughe and Additional SP Kalpana Baravkar assured the agitated crowd that strict action would be taken against the accused. Both officers camped in Miraj late into the night. “An altercation broke out between 2 young men, which some tried to give a communal colour. However, the situation is under control. Suspects have been detained. Citizens must not believe rumours; those spreading misinformation will not be spared,” warned SP Ghughe.

Mob attacks shops with stones !

While marching toward the police station demanding “strict action against the Hindu youth,” the mob vandalized shops and vehicles along the way, causing panic in the city. Police instructed traders in the market area to close their establishments to prevent further escalation.

“Root out those shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ !” – Hindu organizations demand

Peace committee meeting held at Sangli police headquarters

In response to the incident, a meeting was held on October 8th at 1:00 PM at the district police headquarters. Present were Miraj MLA Suresh Khade (BJP), NCP MLC Idris Nayakvadi, SP Sandeep Ghughe, Additional SP Kalpana Baravkar, and representatives of various Hindu organizations.
MLA Khade appealed for calm and restraint, while Hindu leaders demanded a probe into how such a large mob assembled suddenly and whether the violence was pre-planned. They also insisted that those who shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” be identified and prosecuted.

Attendees at the meeting:

Among the participants were officials and representatives from Shri Shivpratishthan Hindustan (Shri. Hanmantrao Pawar, Shri. Avinash Bapu Sawant, Shri. Vinayak Mainkar), Yuva Hindustan, Aamhi Shivbhakt, Shiv Sena, BJP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Ekta Andolan, along with noted advocate Sumedh Thanedar and other community leaders.

Police cancel Hindu organizations’ planned protest meeting !

Police prevented Hindu groups from holding a planned protest meeting at Shri Madhavdas Temple in Miraj Fort area. Nevertheless, all organizations voluntarily gathered at Kashi Vishweshwar Temple and asserted, “Expressing dissent is a constitutional right of Hindus, and we will exercise it.”
Vikas Suryawanshi, president of Aamhi Shivbhakt, appealed, “Hindus must recognize the gravity of this situation and stay united.”

“When will illegal trades and drug rackets be stopped ?” – MLA Suresh Khade

MLA Khade stated, “The individuals who abused others and acted violently during the Miraj incident were all under the influence of drugs. These narcotics are being openly traded in the city. I ask the administration; when will these illegal businesses and drug rackets be shut down? Until drug addiction and narcotics trafficking end, organized crime and mob violence cannot be stopped.”

Editorial Perspectives

• Despite repeated incidents, the religious extremists seem not at all afraid of the police; this once again exposes the failure of law enforcement.
• Why does no one ever advise such mobs to protest through lawful, democratic means ?