Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens to be calm and not trust rumours after violence broke out in central Nagpur. ‘’Napur has always been a peaceful city where people live in harmony. I urge everyone not to believe in rumours and to cooperate with the administration,’’ he said, as reported by PTI. As per the latest update, police have arrested 15 people who are connected with the violence and 9 people have been reported to be injured.
His reaction came as unrest spread in the Mahal area on Monday evening after rumours were spread that a religious text was burned during a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Arurangzeb’s tomb. As tension escalated, stone pelting cases were also reported resulting in the police using tear gas and baton charges to disseminate the crowd. During the clashes, several police personnel along with people were injured.
Curfew imposed in Nagpur
According to ANI report, curfew has been imposed in many areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in response to rising tensions over demands to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, as per an official notice released by the Maharashtra police. The order has been issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will continue to be in effect till further notice. The curfew has been imposed on several police station jurisdictions including Nandanvan, Kotwali, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Imamwada, Tehsil, Kapilnagar, Shantinagar, Pachpaoli, Ganeshpeth and Sakkardara.
How did Nagpur violence escalate?
The incident started after Bajrang Dal members staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Mahal. During the demonstration, misinformation spread that a sacred book had been burned, prompting anger among members of the Muslim community. As videos of the protest were shared on social media, large crowds gathered resulting in the conflict.
To control the clash, police intensified patrolling and summoned reinforcements. However, as the conflict escalated, security forces had to use force to remove the crowd. A senior official confirmed to PTI, ‘’Misinformation played a major role in fuelling tensions. People reacted without confirming facts, which heightened the situation.’’
Political reactions and security measures taken so far
To prevent further clashes, the police implemented prohibitory orders and positioned additional forces. To maintain order, Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) were deployed. As per the latest updates, 15 individuals have been arrested.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace, stating, ‘’Nagpur has a legacy of unity. I urge everyone not to take to the streets over rumours.’’ Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticised the government regarding handling the matter. Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal called it a ‘’failure of the home department,’’ whereas Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray claimed an ‘’unprecedented breakdown of law and order.’’
As the investigation is going on, authorities have pledged to take strict actions against those who are involved in the violence and spreading rumours.
(With inputs from PTI)