Pune: The Koregaon-Bhima violence that erupted on January 1, 2018, is more complex than initially perceived, according to Special Public Prosecutor Adv. Shishir Hiray.
In his final argument before the Koregaon-Bhima Inquiry Commission, Adv. Hiray argued that while outsiders and locals are highlighted as key groups in the incident, there is a possibility of a third element influencing the violence.
Adv. Hiray explained that the tradition of paying homage to the Koregaon Victory Pillar began after Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visit in 1927. He stressed that this practice was never associated with caste-based movements.
Testimony from Yogendra Kawade further corroborated this. Historian Chandrakant Patil also detailed the Battle of Koregaon on January 1, 1818, dismissing any caste-related narratives surrounding the event.
Evidence presented by Adv. Hiray indicated that some individuals had tried to misrepresent history to create caste-based divisions.
He cited the installation of a controversial plaque on December 28, 2017, as a deliberate attempt to incite tensions between communities. This acknowledgment was supported by testimony from Harshali Potdar.
The investigation revealed that before 2018, homage at the Koregaon Pillar occurred with minimal police presence. During the riots, 43 police officers were injured, tear gas shells were deployed, and baton charges were carried out. Adv. Hiray emphasized that the inscription on the pillar celebrates bravery and includes people of all castes and classes.
Witnesses also suggested the involvement of a “third element” in the violence. These elements, according to Adv. Hiray, may be anti-democratic and opposed to the established system. He provided evidence supporting this claim to the commission.
The commission’s final report, expected in two to three months, will serve as a significant document for Maharashtra’s citizens.
Adv. Hiray concluded by stating that the incident has created divisions among communities, and it is the collective responsibility of the commission, government lawyers, and opposing counsels to address and resolve these differences.