The controversy has arisen after the video of some people who attacked a tree trunk at a mosque gate in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra (Maharashtra). After a sharp debate and political resentment on this incident, a case has been registered for raising slogans and illegal gathering.
The incident allegedly took place on 12 March during the annual Shimga procession during Holi in Konkan area. When the procession reached in front of a mosque gate, people involved in the crowd allegedly attacked the mosque gate, which broke the gate.
Why did the procession come out?
This procession, two kilometers long, was an annual program, which ends in a nearby temple. According to tradition, the people who were involved in the procession were walking with a taut of a tall tree, which was placed on the stairs of the mosque. Some people allegedly tried to hit the mosque gate, causing slogans.
However, the police said that no force was forced into the mosque and the policemen immediately intervened to control the situation.
Police rejected the claim
Ratnagiri SP Dhananjay Kulkarni said, “In the incident of Rajapur, the trunk of the tree used in the procession is traditionally touched at religious places. The same was done in the mosque, so the mosque was done as not being told. Some youths have raised slogans and we have registered a case in this regard.”
After this incident, there was a new splash on social media, in which political leaders also presented their stand. Some people demanded action on the incident, while others claimed that there was no sabotage other than the traditional program.
Also read: Trying to break the mosque gate in Holi Shimga procession, Ratnagiri in Maharashtra
Politics fast on case
Maharashtra MLA and Shiv Sena leader Nilesh Rane alleged in a video message that the incident was exaggerated. According to him, the situation deteriorated due to the closure of the mosque’s gate this year. He also dismissed the news of communal unrest in the area.
Rane said, “We will not allow any disturbances during the festival. A procession was going towards the Dopeshwar temple and according to tradition, it passes through a mosque. This year, the mosque gate was closed. Some slogans were raised from both sides, but the situation was taken under control.”
He alleged, “Some politicians and media outlets are trying to show the situation out of control, which is not true. The situation in Ratnagiri is peaceful.”
‘Will the law do its job?’
Meanwhile, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, while sharing a video of the incident, asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis whether the government would take appropriate legal action. He said in the post, “Sir Devendra Fadnavis, will the law do its job? It is shameful that the mosque was attacked in the presence of the police.”
Owais Pachkar, a Maharashtra lawyer, wrote a letter to the Superintendent of Police of Ratnagiri demanding the arrest of those who tried to disturb the peace between the two communities.
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‘Try to break the gate of the mosque …’
India Today Talking to, Peechkar said, “There is no tradition of entering the trunk or procession of the tree in the mosque. The attempt to break the gate of the mosque during the prayers of Taraweeh has spoiled harmony.”
He has demanded that cases should be registered under other allegations such as inciting riot, promoting enmity, impureing the place of namaz and hurting religious sentiments.
Police told news to misleading
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Police has registered an FIR against unknown accused under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act for illegally gathering. Officials said that they are investigating the matter further, along with this, it has been alleged that someone has fallen misleading news about the situation in the area. According to officials, the situation is peaceful and there is no problem related to law and order.