A total of 286 Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses were vandalised in two days -- January 2 and 3 -- in various parts of Maharashtra, during protests against violence over the bicentennial celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle.

The stone-pelting at the buses have cost a damage worth Rs 20,51,760, informed the spokesperson of BEST.

The death of a youth in the clashes that broke out between Dalits and alleged right-wing groups over the celebration near Pune triggered violent protests across Maharashtra, wherein cases of vandalism of vehicles were reported in various areas, including Aurangabad, Pune and Nagpur.

Other incidents like road and railway blockage, and arson also took place on the day of statewide bandh called by Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader and grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar on January 3.

A total of 16 FIRs were registered by the Mumbai Police relating to statewide bandh.   -- ANI

Photograph: ANI