Maratha quota stir: 49 arrested; situation under control in Beed, police say

Smoke billows after an office of NCP was set on fire by Maratha reservation agitators, in Beed district (Pic/PTI)

The situation in Maharashtra's Beed district during the ongoing Maratha reservation agitation has been brought under control, and 49 people have been arrested in connection with the recent incidents of violence and arson, Beed Superintendent of Police Nandkumar Thakur said.

The unrest led to a curfew being imposed in specific areas of Beed district after multiple instances of violence and property damage targeting political figures, PTI reported. Authorities confirmed that the situation has stabilized, with no further incidents reported overnight.

Speaking to PTI, Thakur said cases involving rioting and endangerment of lives have been filed in connection with these events, resulting in the arrest of 49 demonstrators. Additionally, an increased police presence has been deployed to maintain law and order.

The curfew, as per the directive issued by Beed Collector Deepa Mudhol Munde, covers a 5-kilometer perimeter from the collector's office, taluka head offices, and all national highways passing through the district.

The recent disturbances saw a series of arson attacks on the residences and properties of politicians, including the burning of NCP MLA Prakash Solanke's residence in Majalgaon town, initiated by a group of demonstrators. The demonstrators were incited by an audio clip purportedly containing veiled comments about the fasting quota activist Manoj Jarange made by the MLA.

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The unrest extended to the setting ablaze of the Majalgaon Municipal Council building's first floor and the vandalism of its premises by the protesting Maratha reservation activists. Further incidents involved the burning and vandalism of the residential premises and office of NCP MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar in Beed city and the torching and stone-pelting at the residence of former state minister Jaydutt Kshirsagar.

Additionally, a group of Maratha agitators gathered outside the home of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Amarsingh Pandit, prompting the police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

These developments occurred amid the ongoing hunger strike by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange in Jalna district, who has been fasting since October 25 in support of the reservation demand.

The Maratha community has been actively protesting in various parts of the state, demanding reservation in government jobs and education under the OBC category.