Mumbai: Acting strongly against the incident of arson, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday sent out a stern message and decided to book the suspects under Indian Penal Code’s section 307, which deals with attempt to murder.
The Eknath Shinde-led government also issued warning against violence and disruption.
The weekly Cabinet meeting, which discussed the Maratha reservation issue and the ongoing protests, took a serious cognisance of the violence.
“We appeal to you not to engage in any form of violence. We are monitoring the developments,” Shinde said
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, said that those who had engaged in burning of properties will be booked under section 307 of the IPC.
"The incident that happened in Beed can not be supported or justified. The government is very positive in giving reservations to the Marathas. Some decisions have been taken. However, few people are trying to spread violence and it will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against them,” said Fadnavis.
“They attacked houses of certain people and members of a particular community. Houses of some MLAs were torched and hotels as well as some institutions were also targeted. It is absolutely wrong,” he added.
According to him, based on CCTV footage some 50-55 persons have been identified. “The houses were set afire when people were inside. They attempted to burn people alive. Under section 307 of the IPC, action will be taken,” he said.
The bungalows of two sitting NCP MLAs - Prakash Solanke (Ajit Pawar-faction) and Sandeep Kshirsagar (Sharad Pawar-group) were set afire in Beed. Sandeep is nephew of senior leader and former minister Jaydutt Kshirsagar.
The protestors also vandalised the office of BJP MLA Prashant Bamb at Gangapur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
During the past few days, several buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were targeted while the state also witnessed road blockades.
