Ulhasnagar Ambedkar Jayanti Row: Sit-in Protest Over Torn Banners, Four Arrested

Tension gripped Ulhasnagar after banners put up to mark Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti were allegedly torn down in Rahul Nagar, near the telephone exchange in Camp No. 2. The incident, which surfaced on Thursday night, triggered strong outrage among members of the Ambedkarite community. Angry residents gathered on the streets and staged a sit-in protest demanding strict action against those responsible. The agitation was led by local leader Sandeep Gaikwad, with a large number of supporters joining him. Republican Party of India city district president and corporator Nana Bagul also criticised the police and demanded immediate arrests based on CCTV footage, warning of a larger protest if action was delayed.

Following mounting pressure and a deadline set by Bagul, police swung into action and registered a case at the Ulhasnagar police station. Acting swiftly on CCTV evidence, officers arrested four individuals within a few hours. Senior Police Inspector Santosh Awhad confirmed that two of the accused are minors and added that more people could be involved in the incident. Meanwhile, in a separate case under the jurisdiction of Vitthalwadi police station, violence broke out during an Ambedkar Jayanti procession in Asehle village. Police registered offences under the Atrocities Act and for rioting against six individuals and arrested them. Senior Police Inspector Ashok Koli confirmed the arrests and said further investigation is underway.