7 years ago
New Delhi:
After a day of angry protests by Dalit groups across towns and cities in Maharashtra following caste clashes, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis order an inquiry by a sitting High Court judge. Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of BR Ambedkar and head of a Dalit group, has called for Maharashtra bandh today. Around 250 other Dalit groups supported the call for a statewide shutdown. Dalit groups clashes with local right-wing organisations on Monday, the 200th anniversary of the Anglo-Maratha battle at Bhima-Koregaon near Pune. A 28-year-old Maratha youth was killed in clashes and at least 12 other people were injured. The following day Dalit protesters blocked major roads in Mumbai, disrupted road traffic and train services. Over 160 buses were damaged and heavy security had to be deployed. Over 100 protesters were later detained by the police.
Here are the highlights of the Maharashtra Bandh:
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that an inquiry will be conducted into incidents of violence that took place across Maharashtra during the protests. CCTV footage of the violence is being monitored, he said.
Prakash Ambedkar, Dalit leader and grandson of BR Ambedkar calls off withdraws Maharashtra bandh call, news agency ANI reports.
Dalit protests reach Delhi. Around 50 students, including some from JNU, protest outside Maharashtra Sadan, in the heart of the city.
Car showroom in suburban Vikroli vandalised by protesters.
Suburban train services disrupted at Ghatkopar station due to protest by Dalit groups. As a result, trains on Central Railway's mainline towards CSMT were affected.
Suburban services of AC locals have been cancelled for today by Western Railway, as protests threaten commuters' safety. Other suburban services are being run amid intermittent protests at Elphinstone Road, Dadar, Malad stations, according to Western Railway's twitter handle. There is no cancellation of long distance trains, it adds.
Congress calls the Pune incident a failure of the Maharashtra government, demands probe by a Supreme Court judge. 
As Dalit-Marathas clash in Maharashtra, Congress in parliament in discussion on caste tension claims anti-Dalit violence rising.
13 'BEST' buses were damaged by protesters in Kalanagar area (Bandra), Dharavi, Kamraj Nagar, Santosh Nagar, Dindoshi and Hanuman Nagar, a BMC official said. 
Security increased outside Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi as protests continue in parts of Maharashtra.
Mumbai metro services between Ghatkopar and Airport stations have been suspended by authorities due to security reasons.
Dalit groups protest in Pune following caste clashes in the city. 
Society & Govt must work towards becoming more sensitive & tolerant. My humble request to the Hon'ble PM @narendramodi & the dashing Maharashtra CM to take immediate steps to assuage the feelings of the Dalit community & bring the situation under control & to normalcy. Jai Hind!
- Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) January 3, 2018
Strongly condemn events leading to the eruption of violence & disruption of normal life in Maharashtra. Opposition to celebrations by the Dalit community commemorating a momentous episode in their history was uncalled for & instigated a violent reaction & unnecessary friction.
- Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) January 3, 2018
Mumbai police asks commuters to avoid Kalanagar & MMRDA Junction due to Rasta Roko.
Updates - Railway tracks have been evacuated and train operations have resumed at Nallasopara/Virar from 10.30 hrs.
- Western Railway (@WesternRly) January 3, 2018
Update - Large number of protestors have occupied the railway tracks at Nallasopara Station from about 9.55 hrs, disrupting rail traffic. Administration & Security Forces are making all efforts to normalise the train operations @drmbct @rpfwrbct pic.twitter.com/KTPgmenWvF
- Western Railway (@WesternRly) January 3, 2018
Protesters occupy railway tracks, disrupting train operations in a section of Mumbai railways.
Extra forces have been requisitioned and deployed in areas where trouble is anticipated, Mumbai police said. 
Dalit groups protest in Mumbai's Andheri East, calling for a statewide shutdown.
Mumbai dabbawallas suspend services citing difficulties in commuting, news agency ANI reports.
Prohibitory orders restricting large gathering (Section 144) issued in certain areas of Thane till further orders.
Bus services from Karnataka to Maharashtra suspended as a precautionary measure.
Many schools in Thane shut as administration "considered safety and security of students," news agency ANI reports.
Bandh update: Bus services towards Satara, Baramati suspended till further orders
Dalit Groups Call For Mumbai Shutdown, Parts Of City Tense: 10 UpdatesOn Monday, groups of Dalits, who were on way to an event to mark 200 years of the Bhima Koregaon battle were attacked and their vehicles were damaged.
