Nagpur: Violence broke out in Maharashtra’s Nagpur on Monday night following unverified reports that a holy book had been burned during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. In response to escalating tensions, authorities have imposed a curfew in multiple areas under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The curfew affects several police station jurisdictions, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
Escalation of Violence
Clashes first erupted in the Chitnis Park area of Mahal around 7:30 PM, where protesters pelted stones at police officers, injuring six civilians and three officers, according to PTI. The unrest quickly spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, intensifying later in the evening. Nearly 1,000 individuals engaged in large-scale stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, damaging vehicles and homes.
According to Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal, the violence peaked between 8:00 and 8:30 PM, prompting security forces to intervene. Further disturbances were reported in the Hansapuri area, where unidentified individuals vandalized shops, set vehicles on fire, and threw stones, exacerbating tensions.
A fresh outbreak of violence occurred near Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM, where a mob torched several vehicles and damaged houses and a clinic.
Government and Police Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have called for peace and urged citizens to maintain harmony.
Authorities stated that the unrest began in the late afternoon when Bajrang Dal members staged a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. Rumors that the Quran had been burned during the protest quickly spread, triggering anger among the Muslim community as videos circulated on social media. A formal complaint alleging the burning of the holy book was filed at Ganeshpeth police station in the evening.
Latest Developments
- Prohibitory Orders & Arrests: Nagpur Police have enforced prohibitory orders and detained over 20 individuals. Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal confirmed that Section 163 of the BNSS has been invoked, allowing magistrates to issue immediate preventive orders to curb threats to public safety.
- Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and social media videos to identify those involved, with an FIR being registered. Police have urged citizens to remain calm and cooperative.
- Situation Under Control: Commissioner Singal assured residents that law enforcement has regained control of the situation, and Section 144 has been imposed to prevent large gatherings. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
- Political Reactions: Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan condemned the violence, calling it “very unfortunate.” He suggested that the perpetrators were outsiders attempting to disrupt communal harmony. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress Chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticized the state’s home department, blaming the unrest on administrative failure and alleged provocative statements by ministers.
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with efforts underway to restore peace and ensure public safety.
