TCN News
Mumbai: Nagpur witnessed violent clashes between two groups following the ongoing controversy surrounding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave in Sambhajinagar. Stone pelting and arson were reported. It led to police deployment across the city to maintain law and order.
According to police sources, a protest was staged at the district collector’s office in the afternoon. During the protest, a minor dispute erupted between two groups but was swiftly resolved. However, tensions flared again in the evening when a large crowd gathered at Shivaji Chowk between 7 and 7:30 p.m., chanting slogans. In response, another group in the area also raised counter-slogans. It led to a volatile situation. Alleged desecration of Holy Quran by Bajrang Dal activists added fuel to the fire. However, the Bajran Dal were denied the accusation.
The police intervened to disperse the groups, pushing them from Shivaji Chowk towards Chitnis Park. However, some individuals resorted to stone pelting at the police. It prompted the police to use tear gas shells to control the situation. Several vehicles were damaged in the ensuing violence, with some being set ablaze.
Appeals for peace
Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged Nagpur’s citizens to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration. “We are constantly in touch with the police administration, and the citizens should cooperate with them. Nagpur is a city that loves peace and shares in each other’s happiness and sorrow. This has been a permanent tradition in Nagpur. Do not believe in any rumours,” he appealed.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also called for calm. He accused the ruling party of instigating violence, blaming ministers for making provocative statements. “Nagpur is a very peaceful city, but it has been attacked by organisations supporting the ruling party. The government is deliberately trying to spread hatred and incite conflict between the two communities,” he alleged.
Police commissioner’s statement
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal stated that the clashes followed the burning of a particular photo but were soon contained. The police registered a case and initiated an investigation. “My appeal to the citizens is that police are present on the ground. Do not believe in any rumours. Citizens can contact the control room. Do not venture out of homes if not necessary. Our action is underway,” he said.
He also confirmed that senior officers, State Reserve Police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed to restore normalcy. Despite this, further clashes erupted in Mahal, where two groups clashed violently, leading to stone pelting and arson. Some police personnel sustained injuries.
Background of the clashes
Earlier in the day, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists held an agitation at Shivaji Chowk, demanding Aurangzeb’s grave’s demolition. They also burned an effigy of Aurangzeb and tore down a poster, sparking tensions in the Mahal area.
Following the evening violence, additional police forces were deployed. Reports indicate that knives were also thrown at police personnel. Several vehicles were torched, and heavy stone pelting targeted both police and fire brigade personnel.
Political reactions
Leader of Opposition in the State Council, Ambadas Danve, blamed the state government for inciting tensions. “The government is responsible for creating tension by pitting Hindu and Muslim communities against each other. Even though the chief minister and home minister hail from Nagpur, the police were clueless,” he claimed.
NCP SP legislator Rohit Pawar also slammed the government, stating, “The riots in Nagpur are the result of provocative statements made by government ministers. This government is entirely responsible for this. The minister who has created communal and religious hatred should be removed.”
Congress leader Pawan Khera condemned the unrest, calling it “deeply disturbing.” “Over the last several days, attempts were made to weaponize 300-year-old history to create divisions and unrest. These clashes expose the ruling regime’s ideology,” he said.
Curfew imposed
The riots resulted in widespread damage, with reports of 25-30 motorcycles and several cars being set on fire. Police resorted to baton charges and tear gas shelling to disperse the crowds in Chitnis Park, Mahal, Kotwali and Ganeshpeth.
Rumours regarding the desecration of a religious text further escalated tensions. Authorities responded by summoning additional law enforcement personnel and deploying cyber units to curb misinformation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam was among the injured, sustaining a hand injury after an alleged axe attack by the mob.
Government response
Chief Minister Fadnavis chaired a high-level meeting with Nagpur’s district guardian minister and revenue minister, taking stock of the situation. He issued strict warnings against anyone attempting to disturb peace. “If anyone is creating tension in society, throwing stones at the police or trying to disturb the peace, strict action will be taken against them,” he asserted.
Around 30 individuals have been detained so far, and police are actively identifying more culprits. Authorities have urged citizens not to believe in rumors and to cooperate with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, BJP legislator Praveen Satke alleged that outsiders were responsible for the violence. “People from outside were responsible for setting houses on fire and engaging in large-scale stone pelting,” he claimed.
Pune NCP (Sharad Pawar) chief Prashant Jagtap questioned the timing of the violence, hinting at political motives. “Is the state prioritizing peace or riots? Citizens are being diverted from real issues like inflation and unemployment. We need to bring the situation under control,” he stated.