Bandh is being called in Parbhani after a person named Sopan Dattarao Pawar on Tuesday, December 10, tore a replica of the Constitution book held by the statue of Dr BR Ambedkar outside Parbhani railway station in Maharashtra, triggering arson and stone-pelting. All markets in the city were closed today following a shutdown call. Traders voluntarily participated in the strike and kept their establishments shut. No shops were seen operating anywhere in the city.
A heavy police presence has been deployed in various areas of Parbhani city. Incidents of tire burning have been reported at several locations, with police forces stationed at each site. Additionally, patrol vehicles have been observed patrolling the city. The police are also working to manage traffic, particularly on the outskirts of the city.
Tension in Parbhani
A crowd of around 200 people gathered near the statue after the word spread about the damage caused to the replica of the Constitution and slogans were raised. Stones were hurled and incidents of arson were also reported from the area.
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Visuals From the Incident Site
Meanwhile, protesters suddenly rushed towards the railway station around 6 pm. Some demonstrators pulled down the locomotive pilot of the Nandigram Express train and roughed him up, reported news agency PTI. They blocked the railway tracks for over 30 minutes before being evicted by Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police personnel.
The train finally left the Parbhani station around 6:52 PM. Protesters demanded strict action against the person responsible for damaging the replica of the Constitution and sought protection for all statues of national leaders. The situation is peaceful now, the official added. Followers of B R Ambedkar have called for a bandh.