Right-wing groups in Nagpur caused violence on Monday after staging their protest against the presence of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra. According to local reports, the protests began when rumours surfaced that during the protest a sacred religious text was intentionally harmed which led the Muslim community to become enraged. Multiple police officers along with civilians received injuries during the violent scenes that combined stone-throwing behaviour with fire damage and destruction. Authorities implemented an area-wide curfew in Nagpur to prevent additional unrest from occurring.
The situation started intensifying when members from both Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) conducted a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj monument in the Mahal region. Protesters set fire to both an effigy representing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and a symbolic grave concealed in green cloth while demonstrating to eliminate Aurangzeb’s tomb. Word spread fast about the alleged Quran burning which caused everyone to become angry. The growing tension received additional fuel through social media videos which intensified the situation.
Violence Escalated Quickly
Local Muslim youths started gathering during evening hours to shout slogans while clashing with the police forces. The escalation of violence happened quickly because people burned various vehicles while throwing stones at police forces and private buildings. Large-scale vandalism and stone-pelting events took over both Kotwali and Ganeshpeth areas after the unrest expanded. This rapid spread involved more than 1000 participants in destructive conduct. The turmoil led police to use mild physical reaction methods through riot sticks and tear gas to disperse the group.
As tensions continued to rise, the authorities imposed a curfew in multiple police station jurisdictions, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Lakadganj, under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The curfew aimed to prevent further disturbances and allow law enforcement to regain control. Prohibitory orders were also enforced, banning large gatherings and ensuring public safety.
Political Leaders Urges to Maintain Harmony
Nagpur’s local administration and prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, appealed for calm, urging citizens not to fall prey to rumours. They assured the public that strict actions would be taken against those responsible for the violence. The police began reviewing CCTV footage and social media content to identify the culprits, with over 50 people already detained.
The violence has been condemned by various political leaders, with opposition parties accusing the state government of mishandling the situation. Maharashtra Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the administration for its failure to prevent the violence, while others called for an end to provocative speeches and actions that might inflame communal tensions. The situation remains tense, with authorities on high alert as they work to restore peace in Nagpur.
Political Leaders Took to X by Mentioning the Situation
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Whatever has happened in Nagpur’s Mahal area is very inappropriate. It is very wrong for a crowd to gather and throw stones like this. I request all the people of Nagpur to follow law and order. Nagpur is a city where people live in harmony. Therefore, no one should disturb the peace. I am keeping a close eye on the situation,” he said, adding that strict action would be taken against those who resort to violence. “If anyone is attacking the police, it will be taken very seriously”.
Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha MP from NCP (Sharad Pawar), said the violence in Nagpur is unfortunate. “We appeal to the citizens to please not believe in any rumours. Let us all work together to maintain an atmosphere of mutual harmony and harmony. This is Maharashtra of progressive ideas. Let us all work together to maintain this identity of our state,” she said on X.
