On Monday night, violence erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, as allegations spread that a holy book was burned during a rally by a right-wing party seeking the evacuation of Aurangzeb’s mausoleum. A curfew has been imposed in numerous parts of Nagpur. Curfewunder Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) due to escalating tensions. The curfew extends to police stations in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
Around 7:30 p.m., clashes occurred in the Chitnis Park area of Mahal, with stones thrown at police, injuring six people and three cops, according to PTI. The unrest moved to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth later in the day, and it became more intense by dark. Nearly 1,000 people were involved in large-scale stone-throwing, vandalism, and arson, which damaged numerous automobiles and homes.
According to the Nagpur Police Commissioner, as stated by ANI, the violence peaked between 8 and 8:30 p.m., leading security personnel to act.
Actions Taken
Following an earlier altercation in Mahal that had heightened emotions, violence extended to Nagpur’s Hansapuri neighborhood, when unidentified men vandalized shops, set fire to vehicles, and threw stones. Between 10.30 and 11.30 p.m., a new clash broke out near Old Bhandara Road. During it a crowd set fire to multiple vehicles and damaged residences and a clinic.
After the violence, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari encouraged people to maintain peace and togetherness. According to police, the incident erupted in the late afternoon when Bajrang Dal members staged an uprising near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal.
Rumours arose that the Quran was burned during the rally, causing fury among Muslims as videos of the event circulated on social media. In the evening, a complaint was lodged at the Ganeshpeth police station saying that the sacred book had been burned.
The Key Developments on Nagpur Violence
- Police have enforced a “communication ban (curfew)” in impacted regions under Section 163. It was to prevent similar disturbances and maintain peace, according to the order. Whoever breaks the curfew “remains punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).” The order, however, states that it “will not be applicable to people appearing for basic services.
- On Monday evening, some 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal assembled beside the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, to support the removal of Aurangzeb’s burial. The protesters chanted chants demanding the grave’s removal and carried a symbolic green cloth packed with cow poo cakes.
- Around 7:30 p.m., a crowd of 80 to 100 individuals assembled in Bhaldarpura, raising tensions and breaking law and order. Police reported that the “gathering caused distress to the public and affected the movement of people on the roads.”
- Meanwhile, violence erupted in Nagpur’s Hansapuri region as unidentified individuals vandalized stores set fire to vehicles, and threw stones, following an earlier incident between two groups in the Mahal area that had already heightened city tensions, according to sources.
- Earlier, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal reassured locals that the situation was under control. “The situation is calm right now. A photograph was destroyed, and then people came. We requested that they disperse, and we additionally took action in this matter. They had even arrived at my office to meet me. They were informed that an FIR had been filed based on the identities they provided. Also, that action would be taken against them,” he said.
- Nagpur Police have arrested between 20 and 50 persons. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called for peace.
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