Maratha Protest Fallout: Jalna Superintendent of Police Sent On Leave Amid Outrage
Jalna, 3rd September 2023: Following the recent police lathicharge on Maratha protesters in the Antarwali Sarati area of Ambad taluka in Jalna district, a wave of outrage has swept across the Maharashtra state.
The Maratha community, incensed by the incident, has staged protests against the government in various districts and called for action against those responsible. Against this backdrop, the state government has placed Jalna Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi on compulsory leave.
Taking his place, IPS officer Shailesh Balkawade has assumed the role of Superintendent of Police in Jalna.
Events unfolded rapidly in Jalna district in the wake of the altercation with Maratha reservation protesters. After the decision to compel Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi to take leave, IPS Shailesh Balakwade was swiftly appointed as his replacement. Balkwade promptly arrived in Jalna and assumed his duties.
IPS officer Balkwade is recognized for his unwavering discipline and has previously served as Superintendent of Police in Gondia, Nagpur Rural, and Kolhapur. Notably, his spouse, Kadambari Balkawade, is an IAS officer.
Additionally, in response to the ongoing situation, Additional District Magistrate Keshav Netke has invoked Section 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. Under this authority, an order has been issued prohibiting gatherings, meetings, processions, and marches of five (5) or more persons throughout the district on September 4. These orders will be in effect from 6 am until the night of September 17.
