Kolhapur Violence Reason: What Is Happening In Kolhapur?

What made some communities unrest in Kolhapur of Maharashtra? Why do some people have to come down to the road? What were the social media posts related to these?

Violence erupted in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, following an allegedly offensive WhatsApp status about Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. 

The provocative content led to protests and clashes, with Hindu outfits demanding action against those responsible for sharing it on social media. 

People from right-wing groups gathered at Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in the morning to express their outrage. Slogans were raised against the individuals behind the WhatsApp status, and confrontations ensued.

Protesters in Kolhapur expressed their strong opposition to the glorification of Mughal leaders on Maratha land, vowing to protect Hindu society and expressing their readiness to resort to violence if necessary. 

The situation escalated when the protestors became violent, throwing stones and creating a riot-like atmosphere. As a result, the police intervened to restore order.

The root cause of the violence in Kolhapur was a WhatsApp status that praised and glorified Aurangzeb, which offended many right-wing supporters and groups. 

The circulation of this content triggered the protests, with people congregating at Shivaji Chowk and raising slogans against the individuals involved. 

As tensions escalated, stone-throwing incidents occurred, leading to the viral circulation of a video showing a person holding a poster of Aurangzeb in the Mukund Nagar area. 

The situation further deteriorated, and the police arrested four individuals in response.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a statement condemning the glorification of Aurangzeb, emphasizing that there would be no forgiveness for such acts in Maharashtra. 

The police are taking action to address the situation, and Deputy CM Fadnavis called for collective responsibility in maintaining peace.

The violence in Kolhapur highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical figures and their fake glorification, particularly when it pertains to religious and communal sentiments. 

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde has appealed to the public to cooperate for the restoration of peace after violence in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.

Also Read:- Home Minister Gives Strict Warning To End Manipur Violence

However some normalcy returned to the region in the afternoon & evening. But 90% of shops and other businesses remained closed. The traffic is quite normal now with fewer vehicles.