PUNE: Contemplating a footfall of 25 lakh people at Vijay Stambh at Perne Phata near Bhima Koregaon, the district administration and the Bhima Koregaon Vijay Stambh Shaurya Din Samanway Samiti (VSSDS) have made all arrangements including, logistics, parking space, lodging and boarding for the visitors.

Apparently, the samiti will also celebrate the 202nd anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle on January 1, 2020.

Addressing a press conference organised by the VSSDS on Monday, its president Rahul Dambale said, “Around 25 lakh people are expected to attend the event on January 1. Therefore, we have made all arrangements. With the help of the district administration, we have arranged a parking space. Similarly, lodging and free food will be provided to the visitors, who will be coming early on December 30 and 31 to attend the event.”

Several Dalit groups observe the anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle, in which the British defeated the Peshwas. 

The memorial, located at Perne village on Pune-Ahmednagar Road, was constructed by the British in memory of the soldiers, who died in the battle, among them were numerous members of the scheduled caste.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
As part of preventive measures ahead of the 202nd anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle, Pune police have also issued notices to over 160 people, including right-wing leaders Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide barring them from entering the district till the event gets over.

Milind Ekbote was arrested in March 2018 for instigating and orchestrating violence on January 1 last year at Koregaon Bhima village during the bicentenary celebrations of the battle while Sambhaji Bhide was also booked and named in the FIR.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sandip Patil said, “So far, we have issued notices to 163 people, including Bhide and Ekbote and barred them from entering the district. The notices, as part of preventive action, have been issued to all those, against whom cases have been registered in connection with the violence,” he said.