SP Kawath Appeals for Peace, Urges Public to Avoid Rumors
A bomb blast occurred at a mosque in Ardhmasla village, located in the Gevrai taluka of Maharashtra’s Beed district, around 3 AM on March 30. The incident has created a tense atmosphere in the region. Police have arrested two accused individuals, identified as Vijay Rabha Gawhane and Shriram Ashok Sangde. However, the mastermind behind the attack remains unidentified.
Given the seriousness of the incident, which took place just a day before Eid-ul-Fitr, Divisional IG Mitra personally visited the site. Beed SP Navneet Kawath, Additional SP Sagin Padkar, and LCB Chief Utthan Hok, along with other senior officers, were also present. The police acted swiftly and apprehended the two key suspects, but the search for the mastermind is still ongoing.
According to sources, a religious procession was being carried out on the night of March 29, around 8 PM, when a dispute erupted over alleged remarks made by some individuals from Ardhmasla. This led to heightened tensions. Local political figures, including MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar and former MLA Sammad Salish, visited the mosque following the blast. They urged the community to remain calm and assured them that authorities would take strict action against the perpetrators.
Upon receiving news of the explosion, Talwada Police Station in-charge Somnath Narke arrived at the scene with his team and conducted an initial investigation. The incident triggered protests, with Muslim youths staging demonstrations and forcing a temporary shutdown of local businesses. Social activists intervened, urging peace and condemning the attack. Following their efforts, the situation in the commercial district gradually returned to normal.
To prevent further unrest, a riot control unit has been deployed in Ardhmasla village, and police are maintaining strict surveillance. SP Navneet Kawath has assured that two suspects have been arrested and charged under stringent legal provisions. He appealed to residents to maintain peace, refrain from spreading or believing in rumors, and celebrate upcoming festivals in harmony. He also stated that law enforcement agencies are on high alert and will take all necessary measures to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, intellectuals and community leaders have strongly criticized inflammatory statements made by politicians like Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane, accusing them of inciting communal discord. They have urged the state government to take immediate action against such rhetoric to preserve Maharashtra’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony and peace.
