Parbhani Protest: Violence erupts after a replica of Indian Constitution vandalised

Violent protests resumed on Wednesday in Parbhani city, Maharashtra, over the vandalism of a glass-encased replica of the Indian Constitution, a PTI report stated. The damage to the replica, located outside the Parbhani railway station near a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, occurred on Tuesday, sparking public outrage.

Protesters demand action, district office targeted

The protests intensified as Ambedkarite activists called for a bandh in the region. A mob resorted to arson, setting pipes ablaze, and vandalized the district collector's office. "Pipes outside a shop were set ablaze around 1 pm today. As the mob became violent, police fired tear gas shells and dispersed them," Acting Superintendent of Police Yeshwant Kale told PTI.

Tensions rise at collector's office

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the collector's office, some of whom broke into the building, damaging furniture and window panes. Police intervened to bring the situation under control. Authorities, including the Special Inspector General of Police, visited the area to assess the situation.

Protests spread across the district

In addition to the violence in Parbhani city, a bandh was also observed in the Vasmat area of the district. Local officials confirmed that protests on Tuesday had escalated further when demonstrators blocked railway tracks at Parbhani station and attacked the loco-pilot of the Nandigram Express.

Ongoing investigation

Police arrested a man in connection with the vandalism, but protests continued on Wednesday. Protesters are demanding that authorities identify and hold accountable those responsible for damaging the Constitution replica. "The protesters were demanding that police should find who was behind Tuesday's incident of vandalising," Kale said.