Nagpur Violence: Curfew Imposed, Clashes Over Aurangzeb Row Leave Several Injured
Nagpur, Maharashtra – Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur on Monday night following rumors that a holy book was burned during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The unrest led to widespread stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, prompting authorities to impose a curfew and enforce Section 144 in several parts of the city.
Curfew and Security Measures
Nagpur Police have enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in multiple areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless necessary.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal assured citizens that the situation is under control. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved in the violence, and over 20 individuals have been detained.
Sequence of Events
The violence began around 7:30 pm in the Chitnis Park area of Mahal, where a large crowd started pelting stones at police officers. Six civilians and three police personnel were injured. The unrest then spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, with nearly 1,000 people engaging in large-scale stone-pelting and destruction of property.
By late evening, violence had reached Nagpur’s Hansapuri area, where unidentified individuals vandalized shops, torched vehicles, and pelted stones. A fresh clash broke out near Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm, leading to more arson and property damage, including homes and a clinic.
Political Reactions and Appeals for Peace
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have urged citizens to maintain peace and avoid communal tensions. Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan condemned the violence, stating that the perpetrators were outsiders attempting to disrupt the city’s communal harmony.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal blamed the state home department for failing to prevent the violence. He accused government ministers of making provocative speeches in the days leading up to the unrest.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
Authorities have filed an FIR and are analyzing video evidence to identify those responsible for the violence. Security forces remain deployed across affected areas to prevent further escalation. Residents have been urged to stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement.
The situation remains tense but under control as officials continue to monitor developments.
