Beed Mosque Blast: UAPA Invoked Against Two Arrested Men


 Blast Before Eid Sparks Tension in Beed

Just a day before Eid-ul-Fitr, a blast inside a mosque in Ardha Masla village of Georai tehsil, Beed district, Maharashtra, shocked the local community and drew statewide attention. The incident occurred in the early hours of March 30, 2025. While no injuries were reported, the explosion caused significant damage to the mosque's interior, raising fears of communal unrest. Initial investigations revealed that gelatin sticks—typically used in well-digging and blasting operations—were used in the attack.

Accused Identified and Arrested

Following a swift police investigation, two local residents, Vijay Rama Gavhane (22) and Shriram Ashok Sagde (24), were arrested. Both men are said to have access to explosives through their work in well-digging, and are suspected of deliberately using these materials to target the mosque. The incident took place amid heightened communal tensions following a reported altercation between groups during a procession. Their quick arrest helped prevent further unrest, but the nature of the attack led authorities to treat the case with greater seriousness.

UAPA and Terror Charges Imposed

Initially, the case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to promoting enmity between religious groups and defiling a place of worship. However, as the investigation progressed, the police invoked Section 113 of the BNS (terrorist act) along with stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These include Section 15 (terrorist acts), Section 16 (punishment for terrorist acts), and Section 18 (conspiracy). Authorities cited the gravity of the crime and its potential to incite large-scale communal tension as reasons for applying anti-terror laws.

Public Reaction and Political Questions

The use of UAPA in this case sparked mixed reactions. While many welcomed the strict action, others raised concerns about the unequal application of the law. AIMIM leader and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel questioned whether similar action would have been taken if the accused belonged to a minority community. He pointed out that in many cases involving minority suspects, authorities move quickly to demolish homes and impose harsh penalties even for minor offenses. The local community in Georai also organized a bandh to demand that the National Security Act (NSA) be invoked in addition to UAPA, reflecting public anger and demand for justice.

Investigation Continues

Police are continuing their probe to trace the source of the explosives and determine if more people were involved in the conspiracy. Officials suspect that the gelatin sticks used in the blast were illegally sourced, and further arrests may follow. Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat stated that the investigation is being treated with utmost seriousness, and all angles are being explored to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.

Conclusion

The Beed mosque blast is a stark reminder of how communal tensions can be exploited through calculated violence. The invocation of UAPA highlights the seriousness of the act and the need to deter similar incidents. However, it also brings to light important questions about the equitable use of legal tools across communities. As the case unfolds, the focus must remain on justice, transparency, and communal harmony. In a diverse nation like India, upholding the rule of law without bias is essential to maintain peace and trust among all citizens



BY : AYUSH CHATURVEDI

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