The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that it had deployed extra police at Vishalgad Fort due to anticipated law and order issues. However, on July 14, heavy rain, fog, and low visibility severely hindered their ability to manage the situation.
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MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that it had anticipated potential law and order issues at Vishalgad Fort, leading to the heavy deployment of police personnel. However, inclement weather, including heavy rain, fog, and low visibility on July 14, severely hampered their efforts to control the situation effectively.
Senior Police Inspector Vijay Gherade of Shahuwadi police station was present in court and submitted an affidavit stating-
“Due to heavy rain, fog, and low visibility, a few individuals were able to enter Gajapur village and damage property.”
Gherade elaborated that on July 13, two police inspectors and 90 constables were stationed at Vishalgad. He revealed there was intelligence regarding Ravindra Padwal of the Hindu Bandhav Samiti from Pune planning to lead a group to remove encroachments on June 29. Padwal had been denied permission and warned against proceeding.
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Gherade noted-
“The fort’s topography is such that taking extreme measures could have led to someone falling into the deep valley surrounding the hill.”
On July 14, many people visited Pawankhind to honor Veer Bajiprabhu Deshpande, a Maratha warrior martyred in a battle against Aurangzeb’s army. This location is near the area of the violence. The affidavit mentioned that authorities were “confused whether to allow” the visitors as they “could not differentiate between” miscreants and those genuinely paying homage.
Maharashtra Advocate General Birendra Saraf stated on Monday that Kolhapur policemen had taken all necessary steps to maintain order at Vishalgad Fort, resulting in 18 policemen being injured, with two suffering serious injuries.
A video presented by Advocates Satish Talekar and Madhvi Ayappan during a previous hearing showed right-wing groups attacking and attempting to demolish a mosque. However, it was clarified that the incident occurred in Gajapur village at the foothill of the fort, not within the protected fort area.
The Deputy Director of the Directorate of Archaeology also filed an affidavit noting illegal encroachments within the 333.19-acre protected fort area. Notices had been issued to about 158 encroachers. Last year, some encroachers approached the high court, which resulted in a stay on actions against their structures. On July 13, 2024, the Assistant Director of Archaeology sought police protection to remove illegal encroachments. The authorities assured locals and petitioners that legally protected structures, including residential premises, would not be disturbed. Consequently, between July 15 and July 18, 94 structures were demolished.
After hearing all parties, Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla directed the petitioners to clarify whether the demolished structures were residential or commercial. The court will continue hearing the petitions on August 5.
On July 14, violence erupted during the ‘Chalo Vishalgad’ march led by former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, protesting alleged encroachments at the fort. Following this, the state’s Public Works Department (PWD) launched an anti-encroachment drive, demolishing houses and shops, which triggered communal violence in the area.