Nagpur violence: Violence gripped Nagpur following rumours that the Quran – the holy book of Muslims – was burned by right-wing protestors demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Videos of vehicles being set on fire and unrest in the city have gone viral on social media. Amid rising tensions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged people to remain calm and not fall for misinformation. The unrest has also triggered a political blame game, with the Congress holding the BJP responsible.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as tensions remain high. Police have reportedly detained over 50 people in connection with the violence and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify suspects. 

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Nagpur violence: Videos of clashes go viral

News agency ANI shared a video showing explosions from torched vehicles in Nagpur’s Mahal area, where tensions flared following a dispute between two groups.

Another video, shared by PTI, shows vandalised vehicles, and clashes between police and protesters. Reports indicate that stones were hurled at law enforcement officials amid the unrest, leaving several people injured.

Nagpur violence: Some more visuals from last night

Several visuals from last night show police conducting combing operations in Mahal to restore order. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in the area and are identifying those involved in the violence.

Another undated video that has been going viral online is being linked to the outbreak of violence. It shows a poster of Aurangzeb placed on a green cloth with Quranic verses. Financial Express cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video.

The situation remains under control with heavy police deployment in the area. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal stated that Section 144 has been enforced to maintain order.

Nagpur violence: How did it all start? 

The Bajrang Dal staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area, during which they allegedly burnt religious text and videos of the same went viral on social media. 

A case was registered at Ganeshpeth police station in the evening alleging the burning of the Quran. However, Bajrang Dal leaders denied the allegations, claiming they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their demonstration.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal confirmed that a photograph was set on fire, which triggered the clashes. “A photograph was set on fire, which instigated people. A case was registered regarding this, and an investigation is underway. Later, clashes broke out. Some police personnel have been injured, but no one sustained any serious injuries,” CP Ravinder Singal told reporters from the violence site. 

CM Fadnavis appeals for peace

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence and urged people not to believe in rumours.

“The manner in which the situation became tense in the Mahal area of Nagpur is highly condemnable. A few people pelted stones, even at the Police. This is wrong. I am keeping an eye on the situation. I have told the Police Commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary to maintain law and order. If someone riots or pelts stones at the Police or creates tensions in society, strict action should be taken against all such people,” CM Fadnavis said in a video statement. 

He added, “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. If someone attempts to create tension, very strict action will be taken against them.”

Congress slams BJP

Congress leader Pawan Khera has blamed the BJP-led government for the unrest in Nagpur. “Mahal is the Chief Minister’s own area. In its 300 years of dynamic existence, Nagpur has never experienced riots. Over the last several days, attempts have been made to weaponise 300-year-old history and use it to create divisions, distractions and unrest,” Khera said.

He asked, “If the VHP and Bajrang Dal organised a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, did the government make no arrangements to maintain law and order?”

“A game is being played and the city’s 300-year-old history is being turned into an issue. Do not fall victim to this game. Maintaining peace is in our best interest,” he further added. 

The Bajrang Dal staged a protest demanding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. Other right-wing groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), have also demanded the same. In response, security has been heightened at the tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.