Violence erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Monday night following allegations that a sacred text was set ablaze during a demonstration by a right-wing group advocating for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. In response to escalating tensions, a curfew has been imposed in various regions of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This curfew affects the areas governed by the police stations in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. Clashes occurred in the Chitnis Park vicinity of Mahal around 7:30 PM, resulting in stones being thrown at law enforcement, which led to injuries for six civilians and three officers.
The unrest subsequently extended to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, escalating in intensity during the evening hours. Approximately 1,000 individuals participated in extensive stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, resulting in significant damage to numerous vehicles and residences. As reported by the Nagpur Police Commissioner, the violence reached its peak between 8:00 and 8:30 PM, necessitating the intervention of security forces.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The turmoil also spread to the Hansapuri area of Nagpur, where unidentified assailants vandalized shops, set vehicles ablaze, and engaged in stone-pelting, following a prior confrontation in Mahal that heightened tensions. A new clash occurred near Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 and 11:30 PM, during which a mob ignited several vehicles and caused damage to homes and a clinic.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have called on the public to uphold peace and harmony in the aftermath of recent violence. According to law enforcement, the disturbances commenced in the late afternoon when members of the Bajrang Dal organized a protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mahal.
Rumors circulated that the Quran had been set ablaze during the demonstration, leading to significant outrage within the Muslim community, particularly as videos of the event spread across social media platforms. In response, a complaint regarding the alleged burning of the holy text was lodged at the Ganeshpeth police station later that evening.
Authorities are currently examining CCTV footage and video recordings to identify those responsible, and a First Information Report (FIR) is being filed. The police have urged the community to remain calm and to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
