As many as 36 people have been arrested on the charges of rioting, damage to public property and unlawful assembly, over the clash that broke out on Wednesday between the members of some Hindu organisations and Police in Kolhapur, SP Mahendra Pandit informed on Thursday.
He also claimed that the situation is gradually returning to normalcy.
Business owners resumed operations, and residents were observed purchasing essential items from shops in Kolhapur city. However, the city experienced a sense of unease on Tuesday when two individuals allegedly posted an offensive audio message along with the image of Tipu Sultan, an 18th-century ruler from Mysore, on their social media "status".
Earlier on Wednesday, police intervened and used lathis (batons) to disperse a large group of protesters who had gathered at Shivaji Chowk. The protesters were allegedly throwing stones during the demonstration, which was held in opposition to the purported use of Tipu Sultan's image.
The situation was brought under control on Wednesday afternoon, and district guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar held a meeting of a peace committee in the evening, Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said. Members from various organisations and communities pledged 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. Asked about the situation in the city, Pandit said, "The situation is gradually returning to normal. Shops in the main market area have started reopening." He said three cases have been registered in connection with the riots that took place on Wednesday. So far, 36 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, the official said.
The police further noted that five cases have been registered by police in the district pertaining to objectionable posts. Five persons, including juveniles, have been detained in two of these cases.
Minister Kesarkar has instructed the administration to set up separate peace committees comprising members of all communities to ensure peaceful celebration of all festivals in Kolhapur, as per a release of the district administration.
He has also directed for the formation of an independent committee to prevent any communal discord in the city, the release said.
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