On Friday, September 1, Ambad taluka in Jalna district witnessed tensions as members of the Maratha community—embarked on a hunger strike demanding reservations—were lathi-charged by the police. The police also fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. This action of the administration has drawn condemnation from various quarters.

Many questioned the need for such a heavy-handed approach by the administration. Political leaders and observers called for a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The leaders are of the opinion that the government’s response was disproportionate.