THE Kolhapur district administration on Monday started removing encroachments from Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur amid tight police deployment. By evening, 35 shops were demolished by the administration, officials said. The administration took action in the wake of protests led by Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, former Rajya Sabha MP and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The right-wing activists had been protesting against the encroachments for months now. After the protest led by Sambhajiraje, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde himself landed in Kolhapur past midnight on Sunday. He apparently directed the Kolhapur district administration to remove encroachments from the fort which is located about 70 km from Kolhapur city. It is located in Shahuwadi taluka of the district. “The administration has started removing encroachments from Vishalgad. However, attempts are being made to give it a communal colour. The first few encroachments which have been removed belong to Hindu community members,'' Sambhajiraje told reporters in Kolhapur. Sambhajiraje said if any case is filed against him, then he should be arrested. Police have registered four cases against more than 500 people, including political leaders, and arrested 21 people, officials said, adding that a search is on for others. Meanwhile, the CM, who visited Kolhapur past midnight on Sunday, took stock of the situation arising out of the violent incidents in the area. Incidents of stone-pelting were reported from the Vishalgad area. Some local residents were also allegedly beaten up. In Gajapur area too, stone pelting was reported on some houses. Several vehicles were also damaged. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said the situation was under control and action is being taken against those who indulged in violence. Sambhajiraje, who led the march on Sunday, had demanded that all encroachments be removed irrespective of the caste and religion of illegal occupants. Prohibitory orders have been issued under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act 1951 from July 15 to 29 at the fort. The fort holds profound significance in Maratha history as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escaped to it after being besieged at Panhala Fort in 1660. In 1844, Vishalgad was ruled by the Kolhapur State when a rebellion was led against a Brahmin regent who had been installed by the British when the natural heir to the throne was underage. Violence erupted on Sunday after some right-wing activists led by Maratha royal family member and former MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who had come from Pune, were stopped at the base of the fort in view of prohibitory orders. “Police personnel deputed at the fort to maintain law and order were injured as miscreants hurled stones and damaged public property following protests by the right-wing organisation. We have received reports of arson," an official said. The anti-encroachment drive resumed on Monday amid tight security in the presence of district administration officials. Meanwhile, the Muslim community has given a memorandum to the district administration to take action against those who indulged in violence.
