In light of a recent incident in Parbhani district, the 207th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon (1818), scheduled for January 1, 2025, is being watched by security agencies. The agencies are on high alert due to concerns about the law and order situation. The annual commemoration at the village in Pune district traditionally attracts large crowds, particularly from the Dalit community, who gather at the Jaystambh (Victory Pillar) in Koregaon Bhima, Pune district, for the Dalit community, who commemorate the victory of the British East India Company forces, which included many Mahar soldiers, over the Peshwa army. For the Dalit community, the battle represents a significant moment of pride, as they view the victory as symbolic of their resistance against the upper-caste oppression of the Maratha Peshwa regime.
Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court granted permission to the Maharashtra government to access the Jaystambh site from December 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, to facilitate necessary arrangements for the commemoration. Security has been intensified, with the deployment of additional police forces, including the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), to ensure the safety of attendees and prevent any untoward incidents.
On December 10, 2024, a replica of the Indian Constitution near a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar outside Parbhani railway station was vandalised by an individual identified as Sopan Pawar. This act sparked widespread protests and a bandh (shutdown) on December 11, 2024, as protestors demanded justice for the act of vandalism, which they saw as an affront to their identity and values. The situation further spiraled out of control with protesters indulging in arson, stone-pelting, and damaging key government buildings, including the district collector’s office. Approximately 50 individuals were detained for their involvement in the unrest.
The situation took a grim turn with the custodial death of Somnath Vyankat Suryawanshi, a 35-year-old law student arrested during the police crackdown. added to the volatility of the situation. His death in judicial custody on December 15, 2024, under suspicious circumstances has only intensified anger and suspicion, particularly within the Dalit community. The preliminary autopsy report indicating “shock following multiple injuries” has prompted widespread concerns about custodial violence, with human rights organizations calling for an independent investigation into the cause of death.
The vandalism in Parbhani has elicited strong reactions from various community leaders and political figures. Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, has strongly condemned both the vandalism and the custodial death, calling for justice and for the protection of Dalit rights. He has also criticized the state government’s handling of the situation, accusing them of failing to prevent violence and ensuring accountability.
The Dalit community, particularly in Maharashtra, remains deeply invested in the annual observance of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, which symbolizes both their historical struggle and their ongoing fight against caste-based discrimination. With the 207th anniversary approaching, the state administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace and adhere to security protocols. Enhanced measures, including surveillance and crowd management strategies, are being implemented to ensure the commemoration proceeds without incident.
Security forces are currently closely monitoring developments, particularly in vulnerable areas where tensions could escalate. Police,crime branch and Local law enforcement, alongside state authorities, is on high alert, hoping to prevent the kind of violence that has marred previous anniversaries.
The situation remains dynamic, with security agencies closely monitoring developments to address any emerging challenges to law and order in the state.
On January 1, 2018, clashes erupted near the war memorial at Perne in Pune district during the bicentennial celebration of the Bhima Koregaon battle.
A case was registered by the Vishrambaug Police Station in Pune regarding the alleged incitement of people and delivery of provocative speeches during the Elgar Parishad, organized at Shaniwarwada, Pune, by activists of Kabir Kala Manch on December 31, 2017. These speeches allegedly promoted enmity between various caste groups, which subsequently led to violence, resulting in the loss of life and property across Maharashtra.
During the investigation, it was revealed that senior leaders of the CPI (Maoist), a proscribed terrorist organization, were allegedly in contact with the organizers of Elgar Parishad and the accused arrested in the case. The investigation suggested that these interactions aimed to spread the ideology of Maoism/Naxalism and encourage unlawful activities.The case was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 24, 2020, for further investigation.
