India: Curfew imposed, over 50 detained after Nagpur violence over Aurangzeb’s tomb
Chief minister vows stern action against rioters, says any attack on police unacceptable
Mumbai (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday condemned the violent incidents that erupted in Nagpur, asserting that those involved in rioting and attacking the police would not be spared.
The violence, which followed protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, led to detention of more than 50, injuries to 33 police personnel, and significant property damage. Fadnavis stated in the Assembly that strict action would be taken against anyone, regardless of caste or religion, who participated in the violence.
“We will not spare those who indulged in rioting or attacked the police. The police were attempting to establish peace, and any attack on them at such a time is unacceptable,” Fadnavis declared. He also urged the public to exercise restraint, especially as multiple religious festivals are being observed.
“It’s clear that some people deliberately carried out attacks, as a trolley full of stones and a large quantity of weapons were found,” Fadnavis explained.
How it started
The unrest began on Monday morning when around 200-250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. They raised slogans and burnt a symbolic grave made of grass. The police registered a case against the protesters after the demonstration.
However, later in the evening, rumours spread that the symbolic grave contained religious texts, which escalated tensions. A group of 200-250 people gathered again at Attar Road after namaz, shouting slogans and threatening to set vehicles on fire. The police intervened using force, and several arrests were made.
Tensions in Bhaldarpura
Later around 7:30pm, a separate group of 80 to 100 people assembled in Bhaldarpura, further escalating tensions. The gathering disrupted law and order, causing distress among residents and affecting road movement in the area.
Arson in Mahal
The situation took a violent turn in Mahal, where a mob of nearly 1,000 people engaged in stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson. Several police personnel sustained injuries, and multiple vehicles and homes were damaged in the unrest.
Hansapuri violence
As tensions spread, fresh violence erupted in the Hansapuri area, where unidentified individuals attacked shops, torched vehicles, and threw stones. An eyewitness described the masked assailants carrying sharp weapons, stickers, and bottles as they vandalized properties and set fire to vehicles. Another local confirmed that 8 to 10 vehicles were burned in the chaos.
Violence and property damage
The violence escalated when rioters damaged 12 two-wheelers, set fire to four-wheelers, including a crane and two JCBs, and attacked civilians with swords. In total, 33 police officers, including three DCPs, were injured, and five civilians were also attacked. One police officer was struck with an axe during the clashes.
Stone pelting was reported in the Hansapuri area, and riots broke out in Bhaldarpura. The violence prompted the police to register five FIRs, and in response to security concerns, a ban on gatherings was imposed across 11 police station areas.
Police and government response
In a bid to restore order, five contingents of the SRPF (State Reserve Police Force) were deployed in Nagpur, and curfew restrictions were imposed in the affected areas. The curfew prohibits gatherings of more than five people and restricts movement, except for essential services.
Fadnavis also mentioned that the unrest coincided with the release of the film “Chhavaa,” which shed light on the history of Sambhaji Maharaj and stoked anger regarding Aurangzeb’s legacy.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government would take stringent action against anyone involved in the violence, particularly those who attacked the police or engaged in property damage.
Calls for harmony
As the situation continues to unfold, BJP leaders, including MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and MLA Pravin Datke, have urged the public to remain calm and avoid rumors. Sehrawat appealed for unity and harmony, while Datke accused the police of not adequately protecting Hindu citizens during the unrest.
“We will continue to investigate the reasons behind this incident and take appropriate action,” Fadnavis concluded.
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