Summary: A controversial social media post about a mythological character led to violent clashes between two communities in Satara, Maharashtra. The mob attacked a mosque, burned motorbikes, and injured several people. One man, Nurul Hasan Liyaqat Shikalgar, who had gone to pray, was killed in the violence. The incident left the family without their sole breadwinner, and they are now searching for ways to survive.
In recent weeks, Maharashtra has witnessed two episodes of severe violence. The first was the Maratha Quota violence, and the second was the Satara communal violence. The Satara incident was triggered an objectionable post on social media about a historical figure and mythological character. The youth who uploaded the post was arrested, and a case was registered against him.
The violence occurred in Pusesawali village in Khatao tehsil of Satara district. Following the objectionable posts, tension escalated between the two communities, leading to the suspension of Internet services in the district as a precautionary measure. Houses were set on fire and damaged, and a mob attacked vehicles and property. Ten people were injured, and Nurul Hasan Liyaqat Shikalgar lost his life during the violence.
Nurul, a civil engineer, had gone to offer namaz at the mosque when the mob started pelting stones and set fire to the motorbikes parked outside. He was attacked along with others and succumbed to his injuries. His wife, who is seven months pregnant, is now left without a husband and the family’s primary source of income.
The police have made 19 arrests in connection with the violence. The investigation into the incident and the objectionable post is ongoing. The loss of Nurul has deeply affected his family, who are now grappling with financial hardships in the absence of their breadwinner.
Sources:
– IPC section 295A
– News agency PTI
