PUNE: The Pune rural police have placed a ban on certain people from entering the Koregaon-Bhima area including Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote. Officials said that people who are accused in last year’s riot case and people who could cause a ruckus are prohibited from entering the area during the celebration of the 201st year of the battle of Koregaon-Bhima.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sandip Patil said that a force of 7,000 police officials including 1,200 Home Guards will be deployed in Koregaon-Bhima to maintain law and order on January 1, 2019. Around 7 to 10 lakh people are expected to visit the Vijay Stambh (victory pillar) to pay their respects on the day. The police have granted permission to five groups to hold a rally near the pillar, which includes Athavale group, Anandraj Ambedkar group, Kavade group, Bharat Mukti Morcha and Bhai Vivek Chavan group.

“We have been taking preventive actions against people spreading fake messages on social media about Koregaon-Bhima. Our force will be deployed on Saturday in the area,” added Patil. To maintain law and order in the area on January 1, Internet services will be shut down in Koregaon-Bhima, Perne Phata, Lonikand, Vadu Budruk, Sanaswadi and Shikrapur areas.

Social Justice Minister Rajkumar Badole took  a review of the situation and visited the stambh on Friday morning. He has appealed to all government organisations to work in tandem on the day for a peaceful celebration.

TURNED INTO A FORTRESS
- Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sandip Patil said that a force of 7,000 police officials including 1,200 Home Guards will be deployed in the area. 
- Accused in last year’s riot case and people who could cause a ruckus are prohibited from entering the area
- Internet services in the area will also be shut down.