Bhiwandi Temple Clash: Hindu Group Demands Action

A clash between two groups at the Dindigad Mahadev Temple premises in Bhiwandi last Sunday has sparked a protest by the Sakal Hindu Samaj. The group submitted a memorandum to the Bhiwandi rural police on August 25, seeking strict action against those involved in the clash.

The protesters warned that a more intense agitation would be launched on August 30 if the police failed to act on their demands. The Dindigad Mahadev Temple is considered an important religious centre by the Hindu community and has been declared a pilgrimage site by the Maharashtra government.

According to the memorandum, a group allegedly carrying meat near the Hindu religious site was stopped by local youths during the month of Shravan. The intervention led to an argument between the two groups, which later escalated into a physical altercation. The memorandum alleged that local youths were assaulted during the incident.

The protesters further alleged that a second altercation took place at the IGM Sub-District Hospital, where those involved went for medical treatment and to lodge complaints. The Sakal Hindu Samaj representatives also alleged that statements made by some political leaders following the incident had hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.

The group has demanded that cases registered against local residents be withdrawn, security at the temple be strengthened, and a permanent police outpost with round-the-clock police deployment be established at the Dindigad pilgrimage site. The protesters also urged the administration to ensure adequate security at the religious site and prevent activities that could disturb law and order.

The Dindigad area has seen complaints of theft, drug consumption, and robberies involving tourists in the past. The Sakal Hindu Samaj has warned that failure to act on their demands would lead to a broader agitation on August 30.

The protest was attended by several prominent members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj, including Yashwant Sore, Vishubhau Mhatre, and Dnyaneshwar (Om) Mukadam. The memorandum was submitted to Bhiwandi Taluka Police Station Senior Police Inspector Harshavardhan Barve.

The incident has highlighted concerns over security and law and order in the area. The Maharashtra government has declared the Dindigad Mahadev Temple a pilgrimage site, and the Hindu community considers it an important religious centre.

In conclusion, the clash at the Dindigad Mahadev Temple premises has sparked a protest by the Sakal Hindu Samaj, which is demanding strict action against those involved. The group has warned of a broader agitation if their demands are not met, highlighting the need for adequate security and law and order in the area.