New Delhi [India], December 12 : The National President of Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) on Thursday criticised the ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra over the violence in Parbhani city, alleging that the unrest was a result of the state government's negligence and an insult to the Constitution.
Speaking to ANI, Azad announced plans to launch a protest against the violence.
"The negligence of the state government and the way the Constitution of India was insulted have caused this outrage. On the instructions of the government, the police lathi-charged supporters of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. We will not accept this. The state government has arrested innocent people. We will launch a protest against this," he said.
He further alleged that the state government's silence regarding the insult to the Constitution indicates that the violence occurred under its supervision.
"The government's silence on the insult to the Constitution proves that this has all happened under their watch, and this is unacceptable," the ASP leader added.
Violence erupted in Parbhani city on Wednesday following the alleged vandalism of a replica of the Indian Constitution.
Meanwhile, Special Inspector General of Nanded, Shahaji Umap, on Thursday stated that around 50 people had been arrested, and eight cases registered in connection with the violence.
The official clarified that all arrests were made at the scene of the incident and reported that a deputy superintendent of police and nine other police personnel sustained minor injuries during the unrest.
Speaking to ANI, the Special Inspector General said, "So far, eight cases have been registered at different police stations, and 50 people have been arrested. These arrests were made at the scene after the stone-pelting incident yesterday afternoon. It is incorrect to say that arrests were made during the combing operation last night."
He added, "One of our Deputy SPs and nine other police personnel sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical treatment. The situation returned to normal yesterday afternoon. We have adequate manpower in the district and have also received SRPF personnel. A route march was conducted this morning. As of now, the situation is under control."
Commenting further, he noted, "Following the incident, a few protests, including rasta roko and bandh, were scheduled in the Nanded range. However, the situation remains normal there as well. Most of the eight registered cases pertain to stone-pelting, damage to public property, and unlawful assembly. The 50 people arrested are linked to these cases."
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar confirmed that law and order had been restored in Parbhani city and that the situation was under control following the violence over the alleged vandalism.
"The situation has been under control since last night. Law and order is stable," Ajit Pawar said.