Stones pelted in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur over social media post on Tipu Sultan

New Delhi: Police in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur on Wednesday resorted to lathi-charge to disperse a crowd that protested against the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s picture along with an objectionable audio message as a social media “status” by some locals. I pelted stones. Said. A senior police officer said a proposal to suspend internet services from Wednesday afternoon till Thursday evening or depending on the situation has been sent to the authorities. State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) personnel have been deployed in the city, he said, adding that the police have sought more police from Satara. He said that prohibitory orders have been issued till June 19 and the assembly of five or more people has been banned.

Tension gripped the city on Tuesday after two men allegedly posted pictures of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan as their ‘status’ along with an objectionable audio message on social media.

Another official said a case was registered against the two men after a group of right-wing activists demanded action against the two men. The police registered another FIR in the evening and arrested seven people after more protests, the official said. Protesters again took to the streets on Wednesday.

Also read: Why is Maharashtra boiling over social media posts on Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan?

“Some organizations had given a call for Kolhapur bandh and members of these organizations gathered at Shivaji Chowk today. After their demonstration ended, the crowd began to disperse, but some miscreants started pelting stones, forcing the police to use force to disperse these people,” Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit Said.

The SP said that he apprised the protesters about the action taken by the police in the objectionable post case and appealed to them to maintain peace. He said force and teargas were used only after houses were pelted with stones and vehicles were damaged. Pandit said the police have started tracking down the miscreants and taking them into custody.

Kolhapur Collector Rahul Rekhawar said that the district is known for its progressive outlook. “I appeal to all people to ensure that Kolhapur’s image as a progressive district is maintained. I urge them not to believe rumours,” he said.

The collector said the situation is under control and additional police force has been brought in, even as he requested the public to cooperate with the authorities and resolve issues through talks.

Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar said that action has been taken against those who used Tipu Sultan’s photo with an objectionable audio message. PTI DC SPK.