Tensions Flare in North Maharashtra Amid Protests Against Anti-Hindu Violence in Bangladesh

Protests erupted in Jalgaon and Nashik in north Maharashtra during a bandh by the Sakal Hindu Samaj condemning atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. Stone-pelting and clashes led to damaged properties and police intervention. Tensions were reported but brought under control with police deployment.

Tensions flared in the cities of Jalgaon and Nashik in north Maharashtra as a bandh was called by the Sakal Hindu Samaj on Friday to condemn the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, officials reported.

In Jalgaon, stones were hurled at a vehicle showroom during a protest march by the Sakal Hindu Samaj. The glass facade of the showroom was damaged. Hundreds of protesters participated in the march, which culminated in submitting a memorandum of demands to the local collector's office. The protest created short-lived tension, but the situation was brought under control by the local police who were deployed as a precautionary measure.

Similar unrest occurred in Nashik, where a bike rally by the Hindu outfit encountered resistance, leading to a clash in the Bhadrakali area. Stones were pelted, and several vehicles were damaged. Police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd, and although tension lingered, the situation was ultimately controlled, according to police officials and state Minister Girish Mahajan.

(With inputs from agencies.)