Saffron hooliganism follows Bombay bandh

Over a thousand Shiv Sainiks, including women, ransacked Opposition leaders Madhukar Pichad and Chhagan Bhujbal's bungalows early on Sunday morning.

Another incident saw angry dalit youth attacking Republican Party of India leader and former state minister Ramdas Athavle who, but for the timely intervention of the police, would have received serious injuries. Athavle, who till a few years ago was seen as a charismatic leader in the community, is now looked upon as a politician who has lost touch with the dalit masses.

The incident occurred when Athavle turned up to take part in the funeral procession of the 10 dalits who died in police firing on Friday.

The mob which attacked the Opposition leaders's homes was reportedly led by Shiv Sena MP Mohan Rawle. Around 0915 hours, the mob started gathering around Bhujbal's neighbour, state Labour Minister Shabir Shaikh's bunglow. Later, they attacked Bhujbal's house from all corners.

With the saffron party flag and cries of "Shivaji Maharaj Zindabad," they entered the bunglow, smashed furniture, telephone, xerox machines, shredded files, and set a bonfire of the debris on the main road in front of Mantralaya, the state secretariat.

Simultaneously, another mob attacked Pichad's home, smashing furniture and breaking window panes.

Bhujbal said he escaped "by the grace of God and the blessing of poor people." He said his 'Z' class security was withdrawn only a fortnight ago, despite his requesting Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde not to do so.

He said he received information on Saturday night that "anti-social elements" were going to attack his home. He had seen people gathering near the labour minister's house and immediately informed the police. The police arrived in time, but remained mute spectators to the hooliganism, he alleged.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray said the incident occurred because Shiv Sainiks lost their patience over Bhujbal's recent statements in the legislative council.

"Bhujbal crossed the limits in condemning the Shiv Sena and that irked the sentiments of Shiv Sainiks," Thackeray said.

"Being the Opposition leader, it is Bhujbal's duty to see that people of the state live in harmony," he added, "Democratically it may be wrong to ransack one's residence, but people lost their patience."

Bhujbal left the Sena six years ago.

In another part of the city, over 100,000 people attended the funeral procession of the 10 dalits who fell to police firing on Friday.

The funeral procession started at about 1230 hours on Sunday, from the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar colony in five trucks bedecked with flowers. Dalit activists wearing black badges shouted slogans against the police.

The police, for their part, under Joint Commissioner T K Choudhary stood fully prepared, with helmets, lathis, shields and tear-shells.

Gangster Arun Gawli -- who is trying to make inroads into the Sena's political base -- has announced a compensation of Rs 5,000 to the next of kin of the deceased.

Photographs: Jewella C Miranda

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One killed in Bombay bandh

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