Congress leader Nitin Raut slams Maharashtra govt over Parbhani violence

NAGPUR: Senior Congress MLA and former minister Nitin Raut sharply criticised the state govt for its handling of recent violence in Parbhani. Speaking at the Vidhan Bhavan premises on the first day of the winter session of the state legislature here on Monday, Raut demanded a thorough investigation, accusing the administration of constitutional violations and police misconduct.
Raut alleged that individuals incited violence during a Sakal Hindu Samaj rally, leading to vandalism and unrest. “Who provoked the individual involved in the incident? Who is the mastermind behind this? These critical questions need answers through an impartial inquiry,” he said.
Highlighting alleged police excesses, Raut claimed law enforcement targeted residents during combing operations, vandalising vehicles with blue and Panchsheel flags, forcibly detaining people, and assaulting women. “Eleven individuals were brutally attacked by 66 officers. Male police officers even assaulted women,” he stated, calling for the suspension of officials involved.
He further criticised the custodial death of Somnath Suryavanshi, questioning why no action was taken against the responsible officers. Drawing parallels with the 2018 Bhima Koregaon unrest, Raut warned against unfairly labelling Ambedkarite or Buddhist communities as urban Naxals. “These communities deeply respect the Constitution,” he asserted.
Raut also condemned narratives trivialising the motives of perpetrators. “When Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, he wasn’t dismissed as mentally unstable. Why are such narratives being pushed now?” he asked. Warning that the state is on the verge of turmoil, Raut urged the govt to act fairly to uphold justice and constitutional values.
Responding to the incident, Parbhani’s two-time BJP MLA Meghna Bordikar, who was sworn in as a minister on Sunday, assured that the situation is under control. Addressing the media, she stated, “I urge the people of Parbhani to maintain peace and not take law and order into their own hands.”
Bordikar informed that the accused in the incident is in police custody, and strict legal action will follow. On reports of a casualty, she clarified that a person who suffered a heart attack was referred to a hospital in Samaj Nagar for a post-mortem. “We will only comment further once the medical report is out,” she added.
Emphasising her new ministerial responsibilities, Bordikar said she is committed to serving the public diligently and is ready to work efficiently in any department assigned to her.