Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis | Photo Credit: ANI

Mumbai: Caste violence in Maharashtra on Wednesday entered the second day as tension gripped Maharashtra over the clashes that broke out in Pune's Bhima Koregaon. Internet services have been suspended in Aurangabad, interstate bus services from Karnataka and Maharashtra have been temporarily suspended.

In the Thane region of Maharashtra near Mumbai, section 144 has been imposed till January 4. The day-long statewide bandh called by Babasaheb Ambedkar's grandson has been called off. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from various areas of Maharashtra.

One person died and 25 vehicles were torched as clashes broke out between villagers from Koregaon Bhima, Pabal, and Shikrapur in Pune district of Maharashtra over a celebration of the British victory over Peshwa Bajirao II's Army on January 1, 1818. The British troops contained Dalit men.

Highlights | Day 2

- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promises action: "Inquiry will be conducted in the incidents of violence that took place across Maharashtra. We are monitoring the CCTV footage of the violence," CM Fadnavis told the media.

1818 hurt fuels Dalit ire. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts on #MahaCasteWar pic.twitter.com/89spdUIF2j — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 3, 2018

- So far, the bandh in Maharashtra has been peaceful. We withdraw now our bandh call, says Prakash Ambedkar, calling off the bandh

- The office of BJP MLA from Chandrapur, Nanaji Shamkule, was vandalised by miscreants. Watch:

- BR Ambedkar's grandson, who had made the call for a 'peaceful bandh' across the state of Maharashtra to protest the violence in Bhima-Koregaon, has called off the day-long shutdown

- Traffic being cleared from parts of Mumbai. Updates from Mumbai police:

Western Expressway upto Dahisar Naka is clear for traffic. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 3, 2018

Traffic cleared at Mela Junction, Worli. One can travel towards sea link smoothly. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 3, 2018

Western Expressway upto Dahisar Naka is clear for traffic. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 3, 2018

- Normal life in Mumbai was disrupted as protesters attacked city buses, stopped suburban local services and blocked roads at various places in the city. Dalits began protests in suburban Chembur, Ghatkopar, Kamraj Nagar, Vikhroli, Dindoshi, Kandivali, Jogeshwari, Kalanagar and Mahim, police said.

- The state-wide bandh called by Dalit groups affected the film and television industry with some shoots being disrupted and others being cancelled as a precautionary measure. Shoots of shows like "Kundali Bhagya", "Aisi Deewangi Dekhi Nahi Kahi", aired on Zee TV channel, were affected in Andheri and Jogeshwari respectively.

- MoS, Home Rural dispels rumours: There has been no death of a person from Dalit community. Wrong messages are being spread on social media, people have to be very cautious. The situation overall is peaceful in Maharashtra, says Deepak Kesarkar, MoS, Home Rural

- RSS leader hits back at Congress' charge, claims "JNU brigade" trying to incite violence.

Read full story here: Maharashtra clashes: RSS denies role, lashes out at 'JNU brigade' for inciting violence

- Protests intensify at Mumbai's Worli Naka

Traffic from Haji Ali Jn has been diverted through Mahalaxmi/ Senapati Bapat Marg temporarily due to congestion at Mela Jn #TrafficUpdate — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 3, 2018

- Protests have reached the national capital as left student groups staged protests outside the Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi



- Incidents of stone pelting reported from Aurangabad

Maharashtra: Heavy Police deployment in Aurangabad, stones pelted & vehicles vandalized by protesters #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/8RuCB3hNa2 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Ramdas Athavale defends Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani: "Police must have acted if Jignesh Mevani's speech was instigating. But he has no relation with this incident," Union Minister Ramdas Athawale told the media.

- 'Rasta Roko' protest being held in Andheri on the Western Express Highway and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses and a car vandalized by protesters in Powai.

#Mumbai: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses and a car vandalized by protesters in Powai #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/CuZXzvwa02 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Both up & down lines, which were blocked by the protesters from 12.05 hrs have been evacuated at 12.24 hrs and train operations have resumed at Goregaon. Trains are delayed due to it: Western Railway, Mumbai

- Remaining services of AC local suspended for the day in view of protests. Other suburban services are being run amid intermittent protests at Elphinstone Rd, Goregaon, Dadar, Malad. There is no cancellation of Long Distance trains .

- Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge speaks up about the Dalit agitations in Maharashtra. He said that Dalits are being targeted in Maharashtra.

Supreme Court judge should be appointed for inquiry in Bhima Koregaon violence; PM should also give a statement, he can't stay mum! He is a 'Mauni baba on such issues'"

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge speaks up about the Dalit agitations in Maharashtra #IndiaAgainstHate pic.twitter.com/N0e1hgGpdL — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 3, 2018

- Protests in Chembur, Mumbai as Bandh hits the city

TIMES NOW tells you about the current situation in Mumbai where large-scale protests are being held #IndiaAgainstHate pic.twitter.com/aMnrRfTi5r — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 3, 2018

Protests in Chembur, Mumbai as Bandh hits the city #IndiaAgainstHate pic.twitter.com/hmGa274PxP — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 3, 2018

- Metro services between Asalfa and Ghatkopar Metro station stopped by protesters

- The shops at NM Joshi Marg forcibly being closed by protesters

- The situation continues to remain tense across Maharashtra as Congress and Samajwadi Party move notices in both houses over the Maharashtra caste clash

Situation continues to remain tense across Maharashtra as Congress and SP have notices in both houses over the Maha Caste clash #IndiaAgainstHate pic.twitter.com/vByTrfEXrR — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 3, 2018

- Protests being carried out in the state in Nagpur's Shatabdi square

Maharashtra: Protests being carried out in the state; visuals from Nagpur's Shatabdi Square #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/CRxHim7qOl — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Protesters continue to block Eastern Express Highway

Mumbai: Protesters continue to block Eastern Express Highway #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/Usg1jHxV4Y — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Large number of protesters have occupied the railway tracks at Nallasopara Station, disrupting rail traffic. Administration & security forces are making all efforts to normalize the train operations: Western Railway

#Maharashtra: Large number of protesters have occupied the railway tracks at Nallasopara Station, disrupting rail traffic. Administration & security forces are making all efforts to normalize the train operations-Western Railway #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/xTBjKnP8xU — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Interstate bus services from Karnataka-Maharashtra temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure

Inter state bus services from Karnataka-Maharashtra temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure: Visuals from Belgaum #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/krTK8dL6ym — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Internet services suspended in Aurangabad, bus operations also affected

- Protesters are seen gathering at Ghatkopar's Ramabai Colony, police personnel also at the site

#Maharashtra: Protesters seen gathering at Ghatkopar's Ramabai Colony, police personnel also at the site #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/tkoEaJGFU1 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- "All trains services running normally in Pune division, security in place to maintain the situation," said Divisional Security Commissioner D Vikas

- Many schools in Thane shut, administration says "considered safety and security of students"

"It was left for the parents to decide if they want to send their their children to school, hardly 50 students came today. So now we are even sending them back home, teachers will also leave thereafter" says a teacher at Mumbai's Young Ladies High School #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/YVjlO41rwm — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Public transport affected due to bandh

"Very less auto-rickshaws and buses on roads today. This is troublesome for the entire state, particularly people who have to go to offices" says a commuter waiting for transport at Thane's Vartak Nagar #Maharashtra #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/yReSzt4uBY — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- All practicals and lectures scheduled for today at Abasaheb Garware College in Pune have been cancelled.

- Bus services towards Pune's Baramati and Satara have been suspended till further orders.

- Mumbai Dabbawala Association decide to not run its delivery service, today; head of the association Subhash Talekar says "means of transportation difficult for delivery of tiffins on time during the bandh

- "Don't believe or spread rumours, continue with your routine activities. Police administration is geared up to deal with any untoward situation," Mumbai Police advise residents.

- Few protestors tried to disrupt railway services at Thane but were immediately cleared by RPF and GRP officials. Services are running uninterrupted on Central Railway as of now: CPRO Central Railway.

- Security deployment in Ghatkopar's Ramabai Colony and Eastern Express Highway.

- Protesters halt a train at Thane Railway Station over clashes.

Maharashtra: Protesters halt a train at Thane Railway Station over #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/BHLsWmfpmk — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

- Section 144 imposed in Maharashtra's Thane till 4th January midnight

Day 1

- A complaint has been filed against Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani at Pune's Deccan Police Station, where the complainant has alleged that he made provocative statements that led to tension between the two communities.

- Due to the ongoing situation in the state, a few airlines, including Air India and Jet Airways, have waived off cancellation charges for flights flying from Mumbai, reports said. Air India said it will not charge any fee for cancellation of tickets or rescheduling of a journey to/from Mumbai on January 2 and January 3. However, private carrier Jet Airways and IndiGo have

provided the waiver to their customers only for today.

- Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaja Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has blamed the BJP for the violence, stating that the BJP-RSS combine had possibly fanned the communal tension in the region. She added that the NDA government in Maharashtra had failed to bring the situation under control.

Yeh jo ghatna ghati hai yeh roki ja sakti thi. Sarkaar ko wahan suraksha ka uchit prabandh karna chahiye tha. Wahan BJP ki sarkaar hai aur unhone wahan hinsa karayi, lagta hai iske peeche BJP,RSS aur jaati wadi takaton ka haath hai: BSP Chief Mayawati on #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/RZAPKYsYWr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 2, 2018

- Pune's Pimpri police register a case against two people in connection with the clashes, ANI quoted DCP Ganesh Shinde.

- Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani today tweeted on the caste clashes in the state, saying that the Maharashtra police must "ensure the rule of law" and also appealed for peace.

Maharashtra government must ensure rule of law. I appeal to the people of Maharashtra to maintain peace. — Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) January 2, 2018

-NCP workers protest outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' office against the violent caste clashes that have rocked the state.

- Prakash Ambedkar, activist and grandson of BR Ambedkar, has called for a bandh in Maharashtra tomorrow, ANI reported.

#BREAKING | Caste violence in Maharashtra: There should be a judicial enquiry by a non-dalit judge, says Prakash Ambedkar, leader, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh #MaharashtraCasteClash pic.twitter.com/YSx1GyLD46 — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 2, 2018

- Union Minister Ramdaas Atthawale has hinted at a controversy behind the caste clashes in Maharashtra.

- More than 100 people have been detained at different locations, Mumbai Police's spokesperson said today.

- Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP and RSS in a tweet today, slamming them for their 'fascist vision', while commenting on the Maharashtra clash violence.

A central pillar of the RSS/BJP’s fascist vision for India is that Dalits should remain at the bottom of Indian society. Una, Rohith Vemula and now Bhima-Koregaon are potent symbols of the resistance. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 2, 2018

- Reports have emerged that Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani, controversial activist Umar Khalid, Radhika Vemula, who is the mother of Hyderabad University student Rohith who committed suicide in 2016 and Prakash Ambedkar had attended an event in Pune on December 31 to mark the Dalit victory over Peshwa soldiers in the 200-year-old battle.

Jignesh Mewani, Omar Khalid, Prakash Ambedkar and Radhika Vemula in Pune at an event marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon (31.12.17) pic.twitter.com/s4ngA9T8hc — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018

- Special train services being run on Harbour line between CSMT-Kurla and Mankhurd in Mumbai. All other services on Central Railway are now running normally, ANI reported.

ALSO READ: Koregaon Bhima caste violence: All you need to know about the historical battle and why it is now a flashpoint

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- The spokesperson of the Mumbai Police has clarified that Section 144 has not been imposed in Chembur or other parts of eastern suburbs.

- Mumbai police has tweeted on the clashes, urging people "not to believe in rumours" and that traffic jam has been cleared up in most places

Don’t believe in rumours. Traffic on Eastern expressway was affected due to protests. It’s moving now. Traffic at Chembur Naka is still affected. There is nothing to panic. Verify facts with police officers and men before posting anything on social media. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 2, 2018

- Schools and shops have been shut in Vikhroli area in Mumbai.

- Dalit groups call for Maharashtra Bandh for tomorrow.

- Section 144 imposed in several parts of Mumbai following the violence.

WATCH | Section 144 imposed in various parts of Mumbai. Ground report by @siddhantvm on #MaharashtraCasteClash pic.twitter.com/OXgnAjJiOj — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 2, 2018

- In Mumbai, local trains services on the Harbour line between Chembur and Govandi due to agitation by protesters today, news agency ANI reported. Trains were also reportedly delayed at Thane station.

ALSO READ: Sharad Pawar blames government for Pune riots

- Shops in Kurla, a central suburb in Mumbai, were also shut due to the deteriorating situation and the Kurla-Mankhurd road was blocked, reports said.

- On the other hand, in Pune, buses were vandalised in Hadapsar, Fursungi, while all bus services to Ahemadnagar, Aurangabad were suspended.

- Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fadnavis appealed to the protesters to maintain peace and calm, adding that the government will make a request to the Supreme Court to order a judicial inquiry into the Koregaon violence matter. He also announced that a CID inquiry will also be conducted in the matter.

Pune: Buses vandalised in Hadapsar, Fursungi; all bus services to Ahemadnagar, Aurangabad suspended #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/8ZH7zNsfwD — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018

- The chief minister also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim's kin.

According to a report in Times of India, a group of men asked the villagers to not hold any celebrations in connection with 'Dalit victory' on Monday.

In the clashes that broke out following the group's demands, a 28-year-old youngster lost his life and buses, four wheelers and a police van were set on fire.

Also read: WATCH: Sushil Kumar, Parveen Rana supporters clash after 2018 Commonwealth Games trials

Two CRPF companies were positioned to contain the situation.

"Trouble broke out in the morning after a few men with saffron flags visited the area.

Later, villagers set ablaze eight vehicles on the highway and some threw stones at vehicles, IGP (Kolhapur range) Vishwas Nangre-Patil was quoted as saying by Times of India.

According to the report, the battle which took place on January 1, 1818, was a clash between the armies of Peshwa Bajirao II and the British troops which contained Dalits.

According to historians, the British suffered losses in the battle and the accounts by British historians do not perceive the battle as a victory.

"After the defeat at Khadki and Yerawada (on November 5, 1817), Peshwa Bajirao II was stationed at Phulgaon near Perne Phata along with Pratapsinh Chhatrapati and their troops comprising over 20,000 soldiers drawn from different castes and communities."

"The Peshwa received information (around December 1817) that Brigadier Gen Smith was on his way from Shirur to attack Pune with his troops so he and Pratapsinh Chhatrapati decided to intercept him. There is enough documentary evidence that the British never perceived this battle to be a victory," the Times of India quoted Pandurang Balkawade, secretary of Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal as saying.