Maratha quota stir: Protesters torch homes, offices of MLAs in Beed, 2 agitators attempt self-immolation

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: A large number of protesters stormed four-time NCP (Ajit Pawar camp) MLA Prakash Solanke’s bungalow at Majalgaon, in Marathwada’s Beed district, and set the building ablaze on Monday. There were also reports of at least two self-immolation attempts by agitators in the Marathwada region. The Maratha community has been demanding reservation.The MLA, who was in the bungalow when the incident took place, was quickly moved to a safer place.
This Majalgaon incident marked the beginning of a day-long spree of violent incidents across Beed. In Beed city, Rashtrawadi Bhavan, which is the NCP district headquarters, Sharad Pawarcamp MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar’s bungalow, former minister Jaidutt Kshirsagar’s office, and a leading hotel were among the properties torched by protesters.
Curbs imposed on gatherings around Beed city
Beed district collector Deepa Mudhol Munde issued prohibitory orders on Monday night, imposing restrictions on gatherings of four or more people at any public place within 5km of Beed city.
Prakash Solanke’s bungalow, which was guarded by police personnel, was extensively damaged. The security personnel were outnumbered by the protesters, who first set an SUV and a few twowheelers on fire in the parking area. They then pelted stones at the bungalow. Meanwhile, flames from the vehicles burning in the parking area soon spread to other places and engulfed a large portion of the bungalow.
The agitators also torched Majalgaon municipal council’s premises, raising fears of crucial records of the civic body being reduced to ashes. This was followed by the protesters going from office to office and threatening to torch them if they were not shut immediately. Succumbing to pressure, most government offices were shut across Beed district in the second half of Monday.
In the evening, the office of Shiv Sena district president Kundalik Khande was targeted, while a group of protesters set parked state transport buses on fire at the Beed bus stand. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, BJP MLA Prashant Bamb’s office in Gangapur was ransacked and all the windows were smashed by stickwielding protesters.