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| Mosque Vandalized During Rally in Maharashtra's Kolhapur District (Photo Via Video Post By The Observer Post On X) |
Kolhapur - In a disturbing incident on Sunday, a mosque in Gajapur village, Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, was vandalized by members of a rally protesting alleged illegal encroachment at the nearby Vishalgad Fort. The rally, organized by former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, took a violent turn when some participants targeted the local Muslim community and their place of worship.
Eyewitnesses report that a group from the rally climbed atop the mosque, hoisted a saffron flag, and damaged parts of the structure, including a minaret. Videos circulating on social media show individuals chanting "Jai Shri Ram" while destroying property inside the mosque, tearing books, and scattering religious articles.
Imran Sanadi, a local All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader who visited the affected area, stated that approximately 40 Muslims were injured in the attacks, including children. "Houses were demolished, and people were harmed greatly. They were attacked with swords and sticks. Even some policemen were attacked," Sanadi reported.
The incident has sparked tension in the region, with members of the Muslim community gathering in Kolhapur city to protest and demand action against the perpetrators. Organizations such as AIMIM and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind are participating in the ongoing protests.
Kolhapur's Superintendent of Police, Mahendra Pandit, acknowledged the incident and stated, "We had deployed adequate police force to avoid any untoward incidents. We will register cases after taking cognizance accordingly."
In response to the unrest, authorities have issued prohibitory orders under sections of the Maharashtra Police Act 1951, effective from July 15 to July 29.
The Vishalgad Fort has been a point of contention recently, with Hindutva organizations staging protests at its foothills, demanding the removal of alleged encroachments and a ban on animal slaughter.
As tensions remain high, local leaders and law enforcement are working to restore calm and investigate the incident. The attack on the mosque and the Muslim community has raised concerns about communal harmony in the region and the need for swift action to prevent further escalation.
