Bhima Koregaon – Challenging Caste

The book is a well-researched and detailed account of the Bhima Koregaon event, the violence, and the subsequent selective arrests of some prominent members of civil society. These people were collectively called the BK16 after the arrest of sixteen individuals accused of playing a role in the Bhima Koregaon violence.

The author meticulously documents the details of each arrest and how, according to the book, these arrests were made on weak and questionable grounds. He documents the cases filed against them, first by the Maharashtra government and later by the central government. They were charged under the UAPA, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

To understand the Bhima Koregaon issue, one needs to understand the history of Bhima Koregaon, the history of Dalits under Peshwa rule, and the treatment of Dalits by the Peshwas and other upper-caste Marathas.

The author starts with an introduction to Elgar Parishad, which organizes the annual event to commemorate the victory of Dalit, especially Mahar, soldiers over the Maratha forces in the Battle of Koregaon in 1818. He then gives a brief history of Maharashtra, the social hierarchy between Marathas and Dalits, and the struggle over historical memory between the two groups. He also documents the series of events that led to the violence on 1 January 2018, a day after the Elgar Parishad convention.

The event of 1 January 2018 led to Dalit protests and, subsequently, an FIR against Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote for allegedly instigating violence against Dalits. It is interesting, surprising, and frustrating to see how things unfolded in the following months. The Bhima Koregaon violence was turned into something else by the government. By June 2018, the government had started targeting activists and arresting them under the UAPA.

Most of these activists worked with Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities in some of the most backward areas of the country. This turn of events feels bizarre and sinister as one comes to understand it while reading the book.

The government’s decision to arrest the BK16 activists, while repeatedly denying them bail, reflects a disturbing use of state power. Among them was 83-year-old Father Stan Swamy, who died in custody after being denied bail. The author meticulously documents each arrest, outlining the specific charges faced by every individual. Each account stands out, revealing the unique circumstances and timelines of their detention.

As one reads through these stories, a deep sense of frustration and helplessness sets in. The narrative starkly illustrates how oppressive the state can become when individuals challenge interests tied to economic and corporate agendas. Importantly, this is not an issue exclusive to the current government. Earlier administrations have also targeted such individuals on various pretexts. The pattern of repression runs deep, transcending party lines and pointing to a broader systemic failure.

The author also interviews family members of the BK16. It is heartbreaking to know what they must endure, but at the same time, it generates a sense of respect for the incarcerated and their families. They know what can happen to them and their loved ones, but they still choose to raise their voices for the marginalized and fight for them.