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:
Jan 03, 2018 18:17 (IST)
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.
Jan 03, 2018 16:35 (IST)
Prakash Ambedkar, Dalit leader and grandson of BR Ambedkar calls off withdraws Maharashtra bandh call, news agency ANI reports.
Jan 03, 2018 13:00 (IST)
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.
Jan 03, 2018 11:56 (IST)
Section of Mumbai metro (Asalpha to Ghatkopar) stopped by protesters.
Jan 03, 2018 11:56 (IST)
Mumbai metro services between Ghatkopar and Airport stations have been suspended by authorities due to security reasons.
Jan 03, 2018 11:23 (IST)
Mumbai police asks commuters to avoid Kalanagar & MMRDA Junction due to Rasta Roko.
Jan 03, 2018 11:18 (IST)
Protesters occupy railway tracks, disrupting train operations in a section of Mumbai railways.