Parbhani Unrest: 50 Detained as Protests Erupt Over Vandalism of Constitution Replica | Representational Image
Mumbai: The Parbhani police have detained 50 individuals in connection with the violent protests that erupted in the city following the vandalism of a replica of the Constitution. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the mentally unstable man who allegedly damaged the replica was arrested immediately, yet violence took place which was unacceptable.
Police reported that around 20 vehicles were damaged during the protests on Wednesday. Parbhani Collector Raghunath Gawade said that the situation was under control. “A man named Pawar, who suffers from mental health issues, has been arrested for damaging the Constitution replica. We have medical documentation confirming his condition,” Gawade said.
The unrest began after the glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution, located near Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue at the Parbhani railway station was discovered damaged the previous evening. A bandh was called on Wednesday, but it escalated into violence as protesters vandalised shops, vehicles and even the district collector’s office.
“We are reviewing CCTV footage and will take action against those responsible. We will also investigate the motivations behind the protests,” said IG of Police Shahji Umap. Prohibitory orders banning gatherings of more than five persons continue in the city.
Opposition leaders, including BSP chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare condemned the attack on the Constitution.
The Maharashtra Congress urged the government to refrain from committing ‘atrocities’ against Dr BR Ambedkar’s followers in the aftermath of the unrest.
State Congress president Nana Patole demanded the suspension of the Parbhani Superintendent of Police and called for severe punishment for those behind the ‘desecration’ of the Constitution replica. “While Parbhani was in chaos, the CM and two deputy CMs were busy distributing ministries. People who do not respect the Constitution are in power, which is leading to such incidents,” Patole said.
Mayawati called for immediate legal action against those responsible. “I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and order,” she posted on X. Andhare accused the government of targeting Ambedkar’s followers during operations to arrest those involved in the protests.
Yadav blamed the BJP for the incident. “After the BJP government came into power in Maharashtra, who gave the orders to desecrate the replica of the Constitution? A thorough investigation must be conducted.”
