Nagpur violence: Clashes erupt over desecration rumours, curfew imposed

Communal tensions escalate in Nagpur amid Aurangzeb tomb protest

Violence broke out in Maharashtra’s Nagpur on Monday night following rumours of the desecration of a holy book during a protest by right-wing groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The unrest led to large-scale arson, stone-pelting, and vandalism, prompting a strong police response, including lathi charges and tear gas shelling. Several vehicles were torched, and multiple injuries were reported.

Authorities have enforced a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in several parts of Nagpur to control rising tensions. Prohibitory orders banning large gatherings have also been imposed, and more than 60 individuals have been detained.

How the violence unfolded

• Between 7 AM and 9 AM, devotees organized a Shiv Jayanti program in front of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mahal area.
• Around noon, approximately 40-50 workers from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
• During the protest, an effigy of the Mughal emperor was covered with a chadar and set on fire.
• Shortly after, rumours spread that a holy book had been desecrated, leading to the circulation of several videos on social media.
• Between 5 PM and 7 PM, large crowds from the Muslim community began gathering, shouting slogans, and confronting police.
• Around 7:30 PM, violence erupted, with stone-pelting, vehicles set ablaze, and clashes between communities. A crane was also torched.
• Police initially responded with baton charges, but as the situation escalated, they resorted to tear gas shelling.
• Over 25 rioters were detained initially, while 5-6 civilians sustained injuries.

Extent of damage and police action

Stone-pelting incidents were reported in Chitnis Park and Mahal, where homes of residents were targeted. At least 30 police personnel were injured while attempting to contain the violence. The Maharashtra Police’s cyber wing has launched an investigation into more than 100 social media accounts suspected of spreading inflammatory content.

The unrest spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, with nearly 1,000 people engaging in large-scale stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson. The situation worsened between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, prompting security forces to step in.

By 10:30 PM, fresh clashes erupted in Hansapuri and Old Bhandara Road, where mobs vandalized shops, set vehicles on fire, and damaged houses and a clinic.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal confirmed that prohibitory orders have been imposed, and over 20 people have been detained. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and video clips to identify more suspects. An FIR is being registered, and police have urged citizens to remain calm and not believe in rumours.

Political reactions and appeals for peace

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have appealed for peace and harmony in the city.

Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan described the violence in Mahal as “very unfortunate” and claimed that outsiders, not locals, were responsible for the unrest.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticized the state home department, alleging that ministers had been making provocative speeches leading up to the violence. He called the clashes a failure of the administration.

Current situation in Nagpur

Nagpur Police have reassured residents that the situation is now under control. Section 144 has been enforced, restricting large gatherings, and people have been advised not to step out unnecessarily.

Authorities continue to monitor social media activity to curb misinformation and ensure that no further escalation occurs.

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