Koregaon Bhima: What Is Truth?

(Koregaon Bhima — truth, history, controversy and an evidence-led inquiry)

3 January 2026| Dr. Nitin Pawar|

” Koregaon Bhima: What Is Truth?From the Battle of Koregaon (1 Jan 1818) to the 2018 violence and the investigations that followed — an evidence-based, scientifically reasoned analysis using history, statistics, forensic debates, and social context.”

Introduction :One History, Many Truth?

History does not speak in one voice; it whispers differently to different generations. The story of Koregaon Bhima is a classic example of how historical fact, social memory, and political interpretation intersect.

What happened in 1818 is documented history.
What happened in 2018 is contemporary conflict.
What lies in between is interpretation — and that is where truth becomes contested.

This article relies on open, free sources, verifiable data, and a scientific mindset rather than ideology.

1818 The Battle of Koregaon (Historical Record)

On 1 January 1818, a battle took place near the Bhima river between forces of the British East India Company and the army loyal to Peshwa Baji Rao II.

According to historical summaries:

• The Company force was numerically smaller
• The Peshwa’s force was larger
• The Company held its position, leading to the erection of a victory pillar (obelisk)

➡️ Free source (historical background):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Koregaon

The pillar lists the names of soldiers, including members of the Mahar community, which later became socially significant.

Why the Koregaon Memorial Matters Socially

Over time, the Koregaon victory pillar evolved from a colonial war memorial into a symbol of Dalit assertion and dignity.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar himself visited Koregaon Bhima in 1927, strengthening its symbolic importance.

➡️ Free source (social significance):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhima_Koregaon

For many Dalits, the site represents:

• Recognition denied elsewhere
• A counter-narrative to caste exclusion
• A place where history includes their names

(Where a name survives, existence survives.)

What Happened on 1 January 2018? (Facts & Statistics)

On 1 January 2018, during the annual commemoration, violence broke out in and around Bhima Koregaon.

Widely reported figures include:

• ~35 people injured
• 2 deaths
• Hundreds of FIRs filed
• Large-scale police action followed

➡️ Free source (2018 violence overview):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Bhima_Koregaon_violence

These numbers establish that violence occurred — but they do not by themselves explain causation or conspiracy.

Statistics tell us what happened, not why.

Elgar Parishad and the Political Linkage Claim

A cultural event called Elgar Parishad, held on 31 December 2017 in Pune, was later alleged by authorities to be connected to the violence.

Several activists and intellectuals were arrested in subsequent months.

➡️ Free source (Elgar Parishad background):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgar_Parishad

Media later coined the term “BK-16” to refer to 16 accused individuals, though legal outcomes varied.

➡️ Free explainer on arrests and case evolution:
https://scroll.in/article/1031507/bhima-koregaon-case-a-complete-timeline

Digital Evidence & Forensic Controversy (Scientific Perspective)

A major turning point in public understanding came when digital forensic experts questioned the authenticity of files used as evidence.

Investigations suggested that some files may have been planted using malware.

➡️ Free investigative report (digital forensics):
https://www.wired.com/story/india-bhima-koregaon-case-hacking-evidence/

This raised serious questions about:

• Chain of custody
• Malware attacks
• Reliability of digital evidence in politically sensitive cases

From a scientific standpoint:

Evidence that cannot be independently verified cannot be treated as conclusive.

Human Rights and Legal Concerns

Several human-rights organizations expressed concern about prolonged detention and use of UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act).

➡️ Free human-rights documentation:
https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/bhima-koregaon-16

➡️ Legal overview (UAPA explained):
https://www.scobserver.in/journal/the-bhima-koregaon-case-explained/

The death of Fr. Stan Swamy in custody further intensified ethical and legal debates.

Data-Based Interpretation (What the Numbers Actually Say)

Scientific conclusion:
The certainty of violence is high.
The certainty of conspiracy is statistically and forensically contested.

Conclusion : How Should Truth Be Approached?

Truth in such cases must be approached with:

1. Verified primary data
2. Independent forensic audits
3. Judicial transparency
4. Social empathy
5. Resistance to propaganda

As one urban legal maxim says:

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

And as rural wisdom replies:

(Justice based on guesswork becomes injustice.)

FAQs

Q1. Was the Battle of Koregaon a British victory?
Yes, as per historical records, the East India Company held its position and later erected a memorial.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Koregaon

Q2. Did Elgar Parishad cause the 2018 violence?
This remains disputed; courts have not conclusively established causation.
Source: https://scroll.in/article/1031507

Q3. Is digital evidence reliable in this case?
Independent experts have raised serious doubts.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/india-bhima-koregaon-case-hacking-evidence/

Q4. Why is this case controversial internationally?Read Mo
Because of human-rights concerns and prolonged detention.
Source: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org

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About The Author

Dr.Nitin Pawar

“Author of Exposer.blog,Dr.Nitin Pawar,India is a content creator dedicated to bringing thought-provoking articles, unbiased analysis, and meaningful stories to global readers. This blog is built on curiosity, honesty, and the quest for clarity.”

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