Vishalgad Fort in Maharashtra became the epicentre of violence as a mob identifying as “Shivaji Maharaj’s Lovers” launched an attack on local mosques and homes in the area. This assault left several locals and police officers injured, while journalists were threatened and prevented from reporting.
The violence has raised serious questions about the state’s handling of communal tensions and the rule of law.
The Wire’s Zeeshaan Kaskar did a deep dive into the historical and political context of this conflict, the motivations behind the mob’s actions and the broader implications for communal harmony and security in Maharashtra, especially in light of the upcoming state elections.
Sambhaji Raje, a former Rajya Sabha MP, has been a key figure in this issue, pushing for the removal of what he calls unauthorised encroachments at Vishalgad Fort. His statements have also caused a lot of debate around the issue and received criticism. With Maharashtra’s legislative assembly elections coming up soon, this incident has added another layer of complexity to the state’s politics.
