A day after violence during a protest against the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s image and an offensive audio message as a social media “status” by certain locals, the situation in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is gradually getting back to normal, according to a senior police official on Thursday.
According to him, at least 36 persons have been detained and cases have been filed in relation to the incident. Entrepreneurs started their businesses, and shoppers could be seen in Kolhapur city purchasing products they needed on a daily basis.
Two individuals are accused of posting an unpleasant audio message and the image of the 18th century Mysore king Tipu Sultan as their social media status on Tuesday, which caused unrest in the city.
On Wednesday, after hundreds of demonstrators threw stones during a demonstration at Shivaji Chowk protesting the purported usage of Tipu Sultan’s picture, police dispersed them with lathis.
Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit claimed that the situation was brought under control on Wednesday afternoon and that district guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar convened a meeting of a peace committee that same evening.
Members from various organisations and communities promised to maintain peace in the city, he said.
“Precautionary measures have been taken, with police deployment in sensitive areas of the city and district along with the ongoing patrolling,” he said.
Telling situation in the city, Pandit said, “The situation is gradually returning to normal. Shops in the main market area have started reopening.”
He further said that three cases have been registered in connection with the riots that took place on Wednesday.
The official reported that 36 people have been detained thus far in relation to the incident.
In addition, the police in the district have reported five occurrences involving inappropriate posts. In two of these situations, five people, including minors, have been detained, according to the police.
According to a statement from the district administration, Minister Kesarkar has directed the administration to form separate peace committees made up of representatives from all communities to ensure the peaceful celebration of all festivals in Kolhapur.
The announcement stated that he has also ordered the creation of a separate committee to avoid any racial unrest in the city.
