Tags: Pune

Pune, Feb 19 : Demonstrators demanding reservation for Maratha community pelted stones in the direction of a helicopter carrying Maharashtra Finance Minister Dilip Walse- Patil at Shivneri Fort today.

Three activists of Maratha outfit Sambhaji Brigade and a policeman were injured when police indulged in lathi-charge as the protesters turned unruly and hurled stones at the helicopter, police said.

The incident happened just before Chief Minister Ashok Chavan's helicopter was to land at the historic fort, around 100 km from here, for a function on the occasion of the birth anniversary celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji, they said.

The 16th century Maratha warrior King was born on this fort.

Walse-Patil's chopper was landing when the trouble broke out, resulting in the stone-pelting and lathi-charge. Chavan's helicopter arrived there around half an hour later, officials said.

Pune rural police chief R Kadam told PTI that although stones were thrown, they did not hit the helicopter and by the time Chavan landed, the situation had been brought under control.

Maratha organisations have been demanding reservations for their community on the lines of the OBCs.

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