High-Level Inquiry Demanded for Violence at Vishalgad Fort

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Thursday called for a high-level inquiry into the violence that erupted during an anti-encroachment drive at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur. He also demanded immediate action against the district collector and the superintendent of police.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the opposition leader alleged that the violence at Gazapur in Vishalgad was instigated by anti-social elements targeting a specific community under the guise of removing encroachments. Wadettiwar considered the incident to be government-sponsored and reiterated that the main perpetrators should be identified and brought to justice.

Recounting the events, Wadettiwar claimed the violence was premeditated to influence upcoming assembly elections, as evidenced by the involvement of right-wing activists led by Maratha royal and ex-MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati. The police arrested 21 persons after a mob hurled stones and damaged property.

(With inputs from agencies.)