Vishalgad Fort Anti-Encroachment Drive Sparks Violence in Maharashtra, FIR Filed Against 500

Communal tensions ignited in Kolhapur following an alleged attack on homes, a mosque, and villagers at the base of the historic Vishalgad fort on Sunday, July 14. The violence erupted after former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati urged his supporters to march to the fort in protest against the authorities' failure to remove illegal encroachments. Vishalgad fort is situated in Shahuwadi, around 75 km from Kolhapur city.

The clashes began just before Sambhaji Raje arrived at the fort on Sunday morning. So far, Kolhapur police have arrested 21 individuals and registered four FIRs against 500 people. Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati and his supporters have been pressuring authorities to address the encroachments at Vishalgad fort for over a year, dubbing their campaign the "Vishalgad Anti-Encroachment Movement."

Despite lacking official permission, Sambhaji Raje's supporters and Hindutva groups gathered at the fort's entrance overnight on Saturday. The situation escalated when some residents retaliated, leading to a chaotic confrontation. Police intervened, cordoning off the fort and barring entry, but the mob then allegedly attacked shops and homes in the nearby Gajapur village. Several residents and police officers sustained injuries during the clashes. Sambhaji Raje eventually called off his protest after CM Eknath Shinde promised action against the illegal encroachments.

On Monday, Sambhaji Raje criticized local authorities and police for inadequate measures despite anticipating potential violence. He visited the local police station, urging officials to arrest him instead of his supporters, whom he referred to as "Shivaji bhakts." He denied any communal motives behind his movement, blaming individuals with vested interests for misrepresenting it. Following the clashes, about 35 illegal shops were demolished on Monday under orders from CM Shinde, who had arrived in Kolhapur the previous night.