Maratha protest: Navi Mumbai locals want action against vandals

Local Shiv Sena corporator Shivram Patil’s office, house and vehicles, too, were vandalised

A day after unprecedented violence rocked Kopar Khairane in Navi Mumbai during the Maratha agitation, local corporator and residents on Thursday demanded strict action against those who went on a rampage and destroyed public property in the area.

Around 150 vehicles were burnt in Navi Mumbai by protesters. (Bachchan Kumar/Hindustan Times)

Shops in D Mart Chowk in Kopar Khairane, which was among the worst-affected, remained shut, as residents stepped out to assess the extent of damage. Local Shiv Sena corporator Shivram Patil’s office, house and vehicles, too, were vandalised.

“We have suffered huge losses. Almost 100-150 vehicles have been damaged. Police need to find the culprits and register cases against them,” said Shiv Sena corporator Shivram Patil. “Maratha Kranti Morcha organisers brought the mob here. They should be made to pay for the losses.”

Alleging that the attack was planned, Patil said, “After 7pm, a mob of around 700 people, including a majority of youngsters, came with rods and stones. This seems to be the work of outsiders. There is a talk of involvement of Mathadis. They will never do this. I am what I am because of them. They have elected me for the past 25 years. It could be a political conspiracy. There are some who want to polarise communities, but they will not succeed.”

Nilesh Patil, president of Agri Koli Foundation, said, “The youngsters in the mob were accompanied by some elders who had covered their faces. The violence occurred after the agitation was withdrawn. The organisers did not take adequate precaution, and so should be held responsible. The police need to file cases against them.”

The police, meanwhile, are checking the CCTV footage from the area to identify the accused.