Pune: The Bhim Army’s Pune unit on Thursday demanded that Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, accused in the Bhima-Koregaon riots, should be prohibited from entering Pune and surrounding districts on January 1 in order to prevent communal tension.

Datta Pol, chief of the Bhim Army’s Pune unit, said, “The prime accused in the Bhima-Koregaon riot case, Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, should be prohibited from entering Pune and its surrounding five districts from December 25 to January 5 in the backdrop of Bhima-Koregaon Shourya Din. They are likely to create communal tension by making statements hurting the emotions of dalits or other communities.”

Chandrasekhar Ravan, chief of Bhim Army, will hold a meeting in Pune on December 30. He will also interact with students of Pune University on the following day.

On January 1, Mr Ravan will pay tribute at the war memorial at Bhima-Koregoan. Hence, the Bhim Army has asked the police to prohibit both the right-wing leaders from entering Pune or surrounding districts.

Mr Pol said, “Lakhs of Ambedkar followers visit Bhima-Koregaon on January 1, every year. Last year, these visitors were attacked, Ekbote and Bhide, who are known for instigating the youth against lower castes, are the prime accused in this crime.”

Accusing Mr Ekbote of creating unrest among Dalits, Mr Pol added, “Despite the sensitive situation there, Ekbote tried to create unrest among dalits by making statements such as the programme at Bhima-Koregaon was started by underworld don Haji Mastan and not by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Hence, we want police not to allow them in six districts. We met the Pune police and demanded the same.”

Mr Pol also refuted claims of the Bhim Army contesting the elections and said it is a social organisation.