A constable died and another was injured in stone pelting on Tuesday, as a State-wide protest called by Maratha outfits seeking reservation for the community turned violent. Agitators clashed with police and torched vehicles in Aurangabad and adjoining districts of Maharashtra.
On Monday, a 27-year-old protester, Kakasaheb Shinde, had jumped to his death from a bridge in Aurangabad, after which the Maratha Kranti Morcha, which is spearheading the agitation, called for a bandh on Tuesday.
The outfit has also given a call for a Mumbai bandh on Wednesday.
In Aurangabad, protesters set fire to public vehicles. Tyres and effigies were burnt in front of a State Government office in Osmanabad, and trains were blocked in Parbhani district.
A section of the Maratha community is incensed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had refused to participate in the Mahapuja at the Vithhal temple in Pandharpur on the occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi, which fell on Monday.
Ashadi Ekadashi is celebrated across Maharashtra, and the Chief Minister leading the Mahapuja at the temple is an age-old custom in the State.
But Fadnavis declined the invitation this year, citing security inconveniences to pilgrims. Fadnavis had alleged that some members of the community were planning violence at Pandharpur town on an auspicious day.
Ravindra Patil, coordinator of the pro-reservation outfits, said the protest would continue till Fadnavis apologises to the Maratha community.
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