FIR lodged against More than 50 Hindutva rioters for vandalism in Aurangabad

On Sunday, police in Aurangabad registered seven FIRs against more 50 rioters who participated in the Hindu Jangarjna Rally held on Saturday. Among those named in the FIRs were BJP's suspended MLA T Raja Singh Lodh and Suresh Chavhanke. The charges against them included giving provocation with the intention to cause a riot and promoting voilence between different groups on grounds of religion, race, and place, among others.

The rally was organized by the Sakal Hindu Ekatrikaran Samiti to support the decision to rename Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. However, the city police had denied permission for the event, anticipating a law and order situation. Despite this, the rally was held, and communal speeches were allegedly delivered by Lodh and Chavhanke, who shared the dais with religious leaders and two cabinet ministers of the state, Sandipan Bhumare and Atul Save.

Sena MLA Pradeep Jaiswal and BJP MLA Shivendra Raje Bhosale were also present on the dais, and the event was largely attended by officer bearers and workers of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde camp), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, ISKCON, Vishwas Hindu Parishad, and Bajrang Dal.

Four FIRs were registered at Kranti Chowk police station, and one each at Osmanpura, Vedantnagar, and MIDC Cidco police stations. In the first FIR, the Kranti Chowk police booked several people for rioting, unlawful assembly, and causing damage after they allegedly pelted stones at a bank in Nirala Bazar, broke its glasses, and tore down banners and flexes. In the second FIR, the same set of suspects were booked for rioting and causing damage to public property.

The MIDC Cidco police station also registered an FIR against seven to eight men and women who allegedly broke a large illuminated board reading 'I love Aurangabad' at N-1 Cidco and posted photos and videos of the incident on social media.

The third FIR was registered against the event's organizers for holding the rally despite the police's denial of permission. According to police officer Patil, the FIR was filed against the organizers for violating the law and creating an atmosphere that could cause a law and order situation. The police are investigating the matter, and further action will be taken based on their findings.

Kranti Chowk police Station :