Nagpur: Following vandalism and arson incident at Deekshabhoomi premises on Monday, July 1, a case has been filed against the Nagpur City President of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), along with a total of 15 known individuals from various social organizations, and many unidentified persons.
Nagpur police have registered a case at Bajaj Nagar Police Station concerning the violent protest at Deekshabhoomi, which involved vandalism of construction materials and setting them on fire. One activist attempted to move an excavator, but was stopped by the police. Shockingly, the name of Ravi Shende, the Nagpur President of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, is mentioned in the case. Additionally, cases have been filed against office-bearers from several other social organizations.
Investigations have revealed that many people involved in the incident at Deekshabhoomi were from outside Nagpur. Nagpur’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Aswati Dorje, has provided this information. The inquiry into the incident is ongoing, and those responsible will be charged accordingly, she has also stated.
Meanwhile, Deekshabhoomi, a sacred monument, was transformed into a fortress on Tuesday with a strong presence of police personnel. The City Police have restricted access to the Stupa and cordoned off all roads leading to Deekshabhoomi. Only residents are permitted entry through these roads. Top-ranking police officials are stationed near Deekshabhoomi following Monday’s incident. Police presence has been intensified due to anticipation of further agitation from local groups.
On Tuesday, several followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar attempted to visit Deekshabhoomi, but entry was denied by the police and cited restrictions until further notice. Surveillance vehicles have been deployed near Deekshabhoomi, and a mini control room with watchtowers has been set up to monitor activities closely.
It should be noted that thousands of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s followers gathered at Deekshabhoomi on Monday, chanting slogans and vandalising ongoing construction work. City police intervened but faced a large protest. Workers staged a sit-in and demanded an immediate halt to the parking project until their demands were met.
Responding to public sentiment, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Deekshabhoomi Memorial Committee decided to suspend all construction activities and issued a formal letter to this effect. The issue escalated in the Legislative Assembly too, where Congress MLA and former Minister Dr Nitin Raut raised the issue. Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Nagpur, Devendra Fadnavis, announced an immediate suspension of the ongoing construction work.
A comprehensive meeting with the Committee is scheduled to achieve consensus moving forward. However, despite the Government’s announcement, Ambedkarite followers remained at the site until late evening.
It should be noted that the State Government allocated Rs 214 crore for the beautification and renovation of Deekshabhoomi, with construction commencing six months ago. The project is planned in two phases, starting with underground parking, which sparked outcry due to concerns over potential damage to the Stupa and Bodhi tree, as well as worries about water accumulation affecting the structure’s integrity and other anticipated complications.
An investigation into Monday’s incident revealed that most of the volunteers in the protesting group were from Wardha and Chandrapur. The police have launched an investigation into the leaders who led the masses to Deekshabhoomi.
