The march was supported by different groups including Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh of Prakash Ambedkar, Charmarkar Ekke Parishad, communist party and groups like Sarvaha Jan Andolan.
Mumbai largely remained unaffected by the Bharat bandh on Monday that had been called to protest "dilution of the Atrocities Act". This was in contrast to the show of strength by Dalit youth and youngsters following the Bhima-Koregaon clashes and the recent protest to press for the arrest of Sambhaji Bhide.
Barely 500 people defied police permission to march from Kotwal Garden near Plaza Cinema in Dadar to Chaityabhoomi. "There were fewer people because police misled many on the rally," said Subodh More, convenor of Jati Ant Sangharsh Samiti, which had sought nod for the rally.
The march was supported by different groups including Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh of Prakash Ambedkar, Charmarkar Ekke Parishad, communist party and groups like Sarvaha Jan Andolan. They called for the arrest of Bhide, accused of inciting the Bhima-Koregaon violence. They say the Act has been diluted to save Bhide from arrest.
"Today's was only a rally, not a bandh called by the organisers," said political analyst Surendra Jondhale on the poor turnout.
"The Act is the only deterrent as of now. If that is not there, it will only increase the problems for the community," said Ulka Mahajan, who came from Raigad.
"Just for one case, how can the SC pass such a sweeping judgment. This Act is being diluted only to save Sambhaji Bhide. Just recently a Dalit was killed for riding a horse. In villages, there are still places where people who are discriminated and not allowed to wear slippers. They are supposed to carry it on their heads," Sharda Navle, member of Charmarkaer Ekke Parishad.
"I have come here to participate in the rally because there is a lot of misconception about the Atrocities Act," said Sudhakar Suradkar, former inspector general of police.
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