Maharashtra Bandh Over Lakhimpur: Case Against Unknown Persons for Bus Damage

The Mumbai Police PRO said that two FIRs were registered against 14 people, who have been taken into custody.

Shiv Sena and NCP workers take out a rally during Bandh called by Congress-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance to protest against the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

(Photo: PTI)

Video Producer: Kanishk Dangi

Video Editors: Sandeep Suman, Ashutosh Bhardwaj

Mumbai Police has reportedly registered FIRs citing non cognizable offences at Dharavi, Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar police stations against unknown persons for damaging buses after incidents of stone pelting were reported in the wake of the statewide bandh.

The Mumbai Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) also, according to ANI, said that two FIRs were registered at Kandivali police station and Samta Nagar Police Station against 14 persons who were taken into custody. Further the PRO informed more than 200 persons were detained.

11 Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses have been damaged by protestors till 5pm today, reported ANI, citing the BEST PRO.

The bus services BEST were temporarily suspended in Mumbai on Monday, 11 October, after incidents of stone pelting were reported in the wake of the statewide bandh.

The Statewide Shut-Down

Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, a coalition between the Congress, Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), called for a statewide shutdown on Monday, in protest against the Lakhimpur unrest that led to the deaths of four farmers on 3 October.

Several gurdwara committees in the state also held demonstrations in solidarity with the farmers of Lakhimpur Kheri, reported The Times of India.

The daily also posted a video on social media, where Shiv Sena workers could be seen threatening and abusing auto-rickshaw drivers in Kalyan. Meanwhile, shops continued to remain closed in Pune even until 5 pm, reported The Indian Express.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis censured the decision and urged the Bombay High Court to take cognizance of it.

"First time in history of independent India, those who have the responsibility of running law and order decide in the cabinet meeting for bandh. Earlier SC and Bombay HC had banned such bandhs and fined Shiv Sena," he stated, ANI reported.

But What Happened?

Buses were vandalised in Dharavi, Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar, Charkop, Oshiwara, and Deonar, PTI reported.

"The BEST administration has called for police protection and buses will be operated from all depots after reviewing the situation," a statement released by the bus operator said.

Visuals of Shiv Sena workers brutalising rickshaw drivers to adhere to the shutdown in Thane also emerged.

The Shiv Sena has also reportedly blocked roadways at certain points in the state, burning tyres to discourage the traffic.

A policeman putting out the flames on a burning tyre at the Eastern Express Highway in Maharashtra.

(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)

Shiv Sena workers protest against the Centre's contentious agricultural laws near Vikhroli.

More Details

"MVA's call for bandh today against killings in Lakhimpur Kheri has received support from Left and some other parties and trade unions. The bandh is being observed peacefully across Maharashtra with widespread public support," state minister Nawab Malik had announced ahead of the bandh, news agency ANI reported.

"There are reports about stone pelting at some places, which is not right. No one should indulge in such activities... We demand the resignation/termination of Union Minister Ajay Kumar Misra," he added.

Earlier, it was reported that essential services would continue to operate in the state during the shutdown. Meanwhile, shops trading in non-essential goods and services remained closed till 4 pm on Monday.

Shops remain shut in Dadar, Parel, and Lalbaug areas.

(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)

There were reports of public transport being unavailable as well. “Our organisation and several other transport groups will be supporting the bandh," Rickshaw Panchayat functionary Nitin Pawar had told PTI. The local trains, however, remained functional.

Earlier, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut observed on Saturday, 9 October, that the bandh had been called to raise awareness about the Centre's "anti-farmer" policies.

“Farmers are not alone in this fight and the process of showing solidarity with them must begin from Maharashtra,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

“Bandh in state is 100 percent successful," Raut said, HT reported.

Here are some photos from the Maharashtra bandh:

APMC vegetable market in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, wears a deserted look during the Maharashtra bandh.

(Photo: PTI)

Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses parked at Dharavi bus depot during the Maharashtra Bandh.

(Photo: PTI)

Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar along with Shiv Sena party workers protesting against the violence in Lakhimpur, at Worli junction.

(Photo: PTI)

Police personnel stand guard at Worli junction.

(Photo: PTI)

Shops shut in Dadar area amid the bandh.

(Photo: PTI)

Security Upped in Maharashtra Ahead of the Bandh

Heightened security arrangements were made in Maharashtra ahead of the bandh.

Three companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SPRF), 500 Home Guard personnel, and 400 officers of Local Arms unites had already been deployed in the state's capital in the wake of the ongoing Navratri festivities.

In addition to these, the Mumbai police will deploy maximum manpower in the city on Monday, officials had said, as per PTI.

Eight persons, including four farmers, were reported dead in Lakhimpur on 3 October. Unrest had ensued in the area after three protesting farmers had allegedly been run over by a convoy of cars, one of which was purportedly driven by Union Minister Ajay Teni Misra's son, Ashish Misra.

The minister's son was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday.

(With inputs from ANI, The Times of India, The Indian Express and PTI.)