The Maharashtra government is considering the formation of a special investigative team (SIT) to investigate an alleged "design" aimed at disrupting communal harmony.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis said during the Assembly session that a SIT would be formed if necessary to conduct an investigation after receiving some information from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
The decision to create the SIT comes as the state faces escalating tensions due to attempts to glorify the Mughal monarch Aurangzeb, which have led to conflicts and violence in several instances.
Notably, a right-wing rally in June triggered attacks on vehicles belonging to the Muslim community in Kolhapur. Similar incidents have also been reported in other cities like Mumbai, Aurangabad, Akola, and Ahmednagar, raising concerns about communal harmony.
The situation escalated with the murder of Vasai resident Shraddha Walkar, which led to right-wing groups rallying against "love jihad." Over 50 rallies were organised by the "Sakal Hindu Samaj," consisting of various right-wing organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, and Sanatan Sanstha. They allegedly made provocative remarks against the Muslim community.
BJP MPs claimed that forced conversions were used to blackmail women fleeing with their boyfriends in Aurangabad, a claim contested by the Home Minister.
Additionally, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar has suggested a regulation similar to Uttar Pradesh's law on interreligious weddings, while BJP MLC Prasad Lad has called for a strict law comparable to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to combat "love jihad," alleging links to terrorism.
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