16 Jul. 24: In a disturbing incident in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, a mob vandalized a mosque and hoisted a saffron flag atop it on Sunday. The mob, armed with sticks and sharp weapons, was part of a rally led by former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, protesting alleged illegal encroachment at Vishalgad Fort.
Imran Sanadi, a local leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), reported that around 40 Muslims, including children, were injured in the attacks. “The situation was very bad. Houses were demolished, and many were harmed greatly. No one died, but there are many injured,” he said. Sanadi also noted that even some policemen were attacked with swords.
Videos of the incident have gone viral, showing the mob climbing the mosque walls, planting a saffron flag, and damaging the minaret with an axe. Another video shows the mob chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while destroying the mosque’s interior. Outside, a vehicle lay overturned, and the attackers continued their rampage with sticks and sharp weapons.
AIMIM plans to meet with senior officials to demand action against those involved. Local Muslim leader Irfan stated that members of the Muslim community gathered in Kolhapur city on Monday to protest the incident, with AIMIM and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind among the participants.
The rally was initially against alleged encroachment at Vishalgad Fort, but the mob diverted to Gajapur village, approximately 6 kilometers from the fort, where the mosque was attacked. The Vishalgad Fort has been a point of contention following protests by Hindutva organizations demanding the removal of encroachments and a ban on animal slaughter.
Prohibitory orders under Section 37(A) A to F and Section 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act 1951 have been issued from July 15 to July 29 to maintain order. Kolhapur’s Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit stated, “We had deployed adequate police force to avoid any untoward incidents. We have learned few things have happened. We will register cases after taking cognizance accordingly.”
