Maharashtra Chief Information Commissioner attacked in Aurangabad over demolition of Ambedkar Bhawan

The issue of Ambedkar Bhawan demolition has once again resurfaced in Maharashtra. State Chief Information Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad was assaulted by members of a political party led by Dr Ambedkar's grandson.

On Monday afternoon, a group of Bharatiya Republican Party workers stormed inside the Subhedari guest house of Aurangabad. Alleging that Gaikwad was responsible for the demolition of Ambedkar Bhawan in Mumbai, the unruly mob badly assaulted Chief Information Commissioner.

Gaikwad was escorted to the airport by the police, after the attack. A case has been registered at the Begumpura Police Station and four men and two women have been arrested for attacking the Chief Information Commissioner.

The Ambedkar Bhawan, where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had started the 'Buddha Bhushan Press' was in the middle of a huge controversy, after it was demolished in June last year.

Ratnakar Gaikwad who was part of the



People's Improvement Trust was in midst of the controversy for ordering the demolition of Ambedkar Bhawan. The Ambedkar family alleged that the trust wants to demolish the historic structure to build a 17-storey structure.

Maharashtra has witnessed several protests over the issue, some of which have even turned violent followed by a huge 'morcha' at Azad Maidan.

Though Anandraj Ambedkar, grandson of Dr Ambedkar has called the attack unfortunate, he said the assault was a reaction of the anger. "There was seething anger amongst the community over the demolition. People are still angry over the way they are delaying the repairs of the building. This is a reaction. It's the public outrage that has come out. The incident however is unfortunate, and I appeal the followers to not take the law into their hands," Ambedkar added.  

Prakash Ambedkar who heads the BRP-Bahujan Mahasangh refused to comment on the issue.