Key Points:
- Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur over demands to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.
- Around 30 people, including police personnel, injured; vehicles and properties vandalized.
- Curfew imposed indefinitely under Section 163 in several areas of Nagpur.
- Authorities urge citizens to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumors.
Nagpur: Violent clashes broke out in Nagpur’s Mahal area on Monday evening following tensions sparked by protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. The unrest escalated after rumors circulated alleging that a religious text was burned during demonstrations by right-wing groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.
According to Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Singhal, around 200-250 protesters gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, raising slogans for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. The protesters reportedly displayed a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes. Later, rumors spread that a holy book had been burned, triggering outrage and leading to violent confrontations between two groups.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as mobs hurled stones at police, vandalized shops, set vehicles ablaze, and damaged residential properties. Approximately 40 vehicles and two earthmovers were torched, while around a dozen police personnel, including senior officers, sustained injuries due to stone-pelting.
In response to escalating violence, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across multiple areas including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Panchpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. During this period, residents are prohibited from leaving their homes except for medical emergencies; gatherings of more than five individuals are also banned.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari appealed for calm and urged citizens not to believe or spread rumors. Police have detained over 65 individuals involved in the riots and continue combing operations to identify further suspects through CCTV footage.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Singhal assured residents that the situation is now under control and peaceful. He emphasized that strict action will be taken against those responsible for inciting violence.
