Maha Dy CM, others pay tributes at Koregaon Bhima war memorial

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and some or leers paid tributes at 'Jay Stambh' near here on Friday on 203rd anniversary of Koregaon Bhima battle.

State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, Power Minister Dr Nitin Raut were also among those who paid tributes at memorial, located near Perne Vill on Pune-Ahmednagar Ro.

Prakash Ambedkar, president of Vanchit Bahujan Aghi (VBA) also visited victory pillar and paid tributes.

On occasion, Pawar appealed to people t to visit memorial and inste pay ir tributes by staying indoors in view of coronavirus pandemic.

Lakhs of people congregate every year at 'Jay Stambh' to offer tributes on anniversary of battle, which was fought on January 1, 1818, between British East India Company and Peshwa faction of Maratha Confederacy.

However, due to COVID-19 this year, district ministration and members of Bhima Koregaon Vijaystambh Shauryin Samanvay Samiti h urged people to avoid coming to memorial and pay ir respects by staying indoors.

district ministration has alrey imposed section 144 of CrPC, restricting entry to outsiders into Perne and or joining vills. However, representatives of outfits and prominent personalities from political and social spheres have been allowed to visit memorial and pay respects.

On 200th anniversary of battle on January 1, 2018, violence h broken out in and around vill, in which one person was killed and several ors injured.