The town of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra is stirring with debate following a viral video of individuals attempting to strike a mosque's gate with a log. As tensions flared, cases were filed for unlawful assembly and provocative slogans.
The event reportedly unfolded on March 12 during the annual Shimga procession, part of the Holi celebrations in the Konkan region. As the parade approached the mosque, some individuals in the crowd allegedly attempted to breach the gate, resulting in its damage.
Why was the procession organized?
This two-kilometer-long procession is an annual custom, concluding at a nearby temple. Traditionally, participants carry a lengthy log, which was temporarily placed on the mosque's steps. However, some reportedly tried to ram the mosque gate, causing an uproar.
Police intervened swiftly, managing to control the crowd and clarifying that no entry was made into the mosque forcefully.
Police refutes attack claim
Superintendent of Police, Dhananjay Kulkarni, stated, "In Rajapur's case, touching religious places with the log in the procession is traditional. The same occurred at the mosque, indicating no attack happened. We've filed a case against those chanting slogans."
The incident sparked a social media debate, with political figures voicing their opinions. While some called for actions, others claimed it was merely part of the traditional festivities without any malicious intent.
Politics engulfs the incident
Maharashtra MLA and Shiv Sena leader Nilesh Rane suggested in a video message that the incident was exaggerated. He attributed the tension to the mosque gate being closed this year, denying any communal unrest in the region.
Rane asserted, "We won't tolerate disorder during festivals. The procession heads to the Dopeshwar Temple, and annually passes near a mosque. This year, the gate was shut, leading to slogans from both sides, but everything was soon controlled."
He further accused certain politicians and media outlets of misrepresenting the situation, affirming that Ratnagiri remains peaceful.
'Will the law prevail?'
Meanwhile, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi shared a video of the incident, questioning Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the legal actions to be taken. He wrote, "Mr. Fadnavis, will you let the law prevail? It's disgraceful that this attack happened under police watch."
During Holi's Shimga celebrations, a procession led to the mosque's gate being rammed, causing disruption.
Social media erupts; officials clarify no forced entry, politicians react with varying perspectives.
Lawyer Owais Pechkar penned a demand for arrests to the police superintendent, accusing attempts to disturb peace between communities.
'Gate Breach Attempt...'
Speaking to India Today, Pechkar argued, "There's no tradition of placing a log or a procession entering the mosque. The attempt to breach the gate during Taraweeh disrupted harmony."
He demanded additional charges concerning incitement of riot, enmity promotion, desecration of prayer site, and offending religious sentiments.
Police dismiss misleading reports
Maharashtra police have filed an FIR against unknown individuals under section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act for unlawful assembly. Officials clarified ongoing investigations alongside accusations of spreading misleading information on the area's condition, noting the peaceful and order-maintained status.
