Nashik Stone Pelting: Tensions Escalate As Violence Erupts In Kathe Galli Over Dargah Demolition; 4–5 Cops Injured

Nashik: Tensions escalated in Nashik’s Kathe Galli area late Tuesday night as stone-pelting reportedly broke out ahead of the planned demolition of an illegal dargah structure, leaving at least four to five police personnel injured. The violence erupted just hours before the Nashik Municipal Corporation, under tight police security, began the demolition drive in the early hours of Wednesday.

The unrest reportedly began around midnight after electricity supply to the area was disrupted. Amid swirling rumours related to the disputed religious site, a mob gathered and began pelting stones at police personnel deployed near the dargah. Several vehicles were damaged in the incident, and the injured policemen were taken for treatment. According to a TV9 Marathi report quoting officials, the mob swelled to over 400 people despite heavy police presence, prompting reinforcement from nearby divisions.

Over 500 Cops Deployed To Maintain Law & Order

To maintain order, over 500 police personnel had already been stationed in the area in anticipation of potential resistance. The civic authorities had earlier served a final notice to the dargah trust on April 1, following a court order declaring the structure illegal. The trust was asked to remove the encroachment voluntarily by April 15 or face official demolition action.

With the deadline expired, municipal teams backed by security forces moved in on Tuesday. The area around the dargah was cordoned off with barricades within a 100-meter radius and no civilians were allowed entry during the operation. Officials stated that the demolition was expected to be completed by Tuesday afternoon.

This is not the first time the area has witnessed tensions. A previous attempt to demolish the dargah had also led to unrest, prompting religious leaders to step in and seek more time to resolve the issue. Authorities granted a temporary reprieve then, but with no compliance from the trust, the administration resumed its legal course.

Traffic Restrictions In Place, Probe Underway

The police have also made changes to traffic routes around Kathe Galli and are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further disturbances. Officials have assured that the operation is being conducted strictly under judicial orders and in accordance with the law.

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage and identifying those involved in the stone-pelting. More security forces remain deployed in the area as a precautionary measure.