‘Ambedkar vs Rau’ row continues despite postponed protests in Gwalior:Lawyer stands by his comments on Baba Saheb; police warn potential troublemakers

Tension gripped Gwalior after lawyer Anil Mishra made controversial comments against Dr B.R. Ambedkar on social media. Dalit organisations announced a protest on October 15. At the same time, upper-caste groups also planned to show strength. Considering the possibility of clashes, Section 144 was imposed and over 4,000 police personnel were deployed. After talks with the administration, both sides postponed the demonstrations, but fear and tension remain in the city. How the dispute began The dispute traces back to the installation of Dr Ambedkar’s statue in the High Court premises, which had been debated for months. Anil Mishra, former president of the Gwalior Bar Council, made derogatory remarks against Dr Ambedkar in a social media video. The FIR registered against him alleges he called Dr Ambedkar “a slave-agent of the British” and “a liar.” The video went viral, angering Dalit organisations and young lawyers. They demanded strict action against Mishra. The Crime Branch registered a case on October 6 under several sections. Lawyer Anil Mishra surrenders After the FIR, Anil Mishra reached the SP office to surrender. Police began monitoring the situation closely due to rising tension on social media. Social media war and city tension Dalit organisations called Mishra’s remarks an insult to the entire community. They announced a “Gwalior Chalo” protest on October 15. Meanwhile, some upper-caste groups also planned to reach Gwalior to show their presence. Social media mobilisation by both sides alarmed police and the administration, who feared a major clash could occur. Heavy police deployment The Gwalior administration took strict measures to prevent violence: Fear among residents Despite these precautions, locals were anxious about October 15. Kunal Pachauri, a street food vendor, said, “Police warned us not to set up stalls. There could be vandalism or riots. We will be held responsible if anything happens.” Local resident Aslam Khan said, “Gwalior has always been a city of harmony. The administration is handling the situation well.” Anil Mishra defends his remarks Anil Mishra, under police protection, stood by his statements. He said, “What I have said is factual. Anyone can debate me. The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and no government can stop it.” On the High Court statue issue, Mishra refused to comment, saying it is a matter of court dignity. He added, “Some lawyers cannot install statues by collecting donations. The court will become a museum of statues if this continues.” Dalit groups warn of riots Azad Samaj Party state president Satyendra Vidrohi said that some anti-social elements wanted to exploit the agitation to incite riots. “They wanted to create a class struggle and gain politically. After the administration showed us evidence, we decided to suspend the protest,” he added. The party submitted written demands to police, including adding sections of the SC/ST Act and the NSA (National Security Act) against Anil Mishra.