The incident had triggered widespread protests from the Maratha community with marches being held across the state.
The victim, who belonged to the Maratha community, was found murdered after being raped on July 13, 2016 at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district.
Jarange, who was earlier on a hunger strike in the village over his demand for reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category, had ended his fast on September 14 on the 17th day after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met him and assured to fulfil his demand.
The BJP cannot afford to alienate the OBCs, who have explicitly voiced their opposition to the Maratha quota.
Lakhs of people, including men and women, students, working professionals, lawyers and doctors from the community, participated in the march, under the umbrella of 'Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha'.
The state government is worried that the agitation may pose a serious threat to it, reports Sanjay Jog.
Taking their agitation to the Maharashtra capital, the Maratha community on Sunday held a "warm up" bike rally protest in Mumbai to press for their various demands, ahead of their December morcha planned in Nagpur during the winter session of the state Legislature.
Here's a recap of events that occurred in India in the past 24 hours.
Here's a recap of moments captured in India in the past 24 hours.
'Theirs is not a campaign for diffused issues like social justice and equity. They have three clearly articulated demands.'
'The participants and organisers have rejected their own political leadership and shown the door to leaders who have tried to claim power at these rallies.' 'Instead, the Maratha masses have reclaimed their power and stakes in the larger scheme of things.'
A pro-Maratha outfit, 'Sambhaji Brigade', claimed the responsibility for the attack.
The rallies have evoked huge response, compelling all political parties to take note the grievances of the community, a dominant force in the state.
'The Kopardi rape/murder was the immediate cause of the unrest.' 'However, there is a feeling of isolation and anger that has been simmering within the Maratha community.' 'The protests gave Marathas a sense of belonging.' 'They felt they have a stake in the protests and the issues being raised.' 'As for the future, let us see what happens.' 'All I can say is it will not stop here.'
The government will stand guarantor for loans to be disbursed to youth from the community.
The government has received flak for allegedly shielding the corrupt ministers and slow pace of investigation in irrigation scam.
The government would extend to the Maratha community the educational concessions given to OBCs.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances