The prime accused in the Bhima Koregaon violence Sambhaji Bhide has denied his role and has demanded that charges against him should be dropped. In a press note issued to media, Bhide said, "Prakash Ambedkar blamed me for the conspiracy which is completely wrong, demand the Government to investigate this matter thoroughly, strong punishment must be given to whoever is guilty". Violence broke out between two groups during an event to mark 200 years of the Bhima Koregaon battle near Pune on Monday. The event was marred by incidents of stone pelting and vandalism. The incident occurred in the afternoon when people were heading towards a war memorial in the village.