Maharashtra Deputy CM Addresses Violence After Anti-Encroachment Drive

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited Kolhapur's Vishalgad Fort following violence arising from an anti-encroachment drive. The conflict led to property damage amounting to Rs 2.85 crore and the arrest of 21 people. Pawar announced immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for affected residents.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday evening visited Kolhapur's Vishalgad Fort, where an anti-encroachment drive turned violent on Sunday, causing significant damage and leading to the arrest of 21 individuals.

The situation escalated when right-wing activists, led by Maratha royal and former MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati from Pune, were stopped at the fort's base due to prohibitory orders.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy CM Pawar reported that vehicles and houses near the fort were damaged by miscreants. He announced immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for the affected residents.

According to Pawar, the administration's assessment showed that property worth Rs 2.85 crore was damaged. The proposal concerning this assessment has been forwarded to the divisional commissioner’s office for further action by the state government.