Tensions flared in Maharashtra’s Nagpur city this week as communal violence erupted over demands to relocate Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. On Wednesday, police arrested Faheem Khan, a local politician from the Minority Democratic Party, identified as the ‘key accused’ for allegedly inciting the riots.
Khan has been remanded to police custody till Friday. So far, 60 people have been arrested in connection with the violence that left 38 injured, including 33 police officers.
According to officials, the violence is being probed as a “premeditated conspiracy”. Police have registered six cases and filed complaints against 1,200 people, of which fewer than 200 have been named. The remaining accused are being traced.
Fadnavis Blames Conspiracy, Film Reference Raises Eyebrows
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday termed the clashes a planned act by unknown persons. Fadnavis explained the violence started when Hindu protesters — including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal members — burnt a “symbolic grave with bundles of grass”.
Rumors then spread that the green cloth covering the grave had religious text, further fueling the anger. “After namaz (Friday prayers) a crowd of 250 people came to the place and started shouting slogans. When people started saying they would set vehicles on fire, police used force,” Fadnavis said.
In a controversial remark, the CM also pointed to the Hindi film ‘Chhava’, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, as a possible trigger. The film narrates the story of the war between Maratha ruler Sambhaji and the Mughals.
Violence Breaks Out in Nagpur, Curfew Imposed
Violence broke out late Monday across pockets of Nagpur — which houses the RSS headquarters. Shops, homes were vandalised, and vehicles set on fire as mobs ran amok.
Also Read: Nagpur Violence; Curfew in several areas: CM Fadnavis calls for peace
Complainants stated “the protest turned violent when the crowd began hurling stones and throwing petrol bombs at police officers”. Cops were also reportedly attacked with “deadly weapons” and one officer was assaulted with an axe, Fadnavis confirmed.
Shocking allegations of sexual harassment against female police personnel also surfaced.
With both sides accusing each other of inaction, the police have denied the allegations, stating they acted promptly to safeguard civilians.
Thankfully, no casualties were reported. A curfew remains in place within the limits of 10 police stations in Nagpur city.
Opposition Slams BJP, Demands Accountability
The opposition, led by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, has fiercely attacked the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Thackeray demanded accountability from Fadnavis, questioning the need for violence over a centuries-old issue.
Also Read: Protecting Aurangzeb’s tomb ‘unfortunate’, CM Fadnavis claims
“Aurangzeb has been dead for 318 years and is buried in a small, unmarked corner of the state,” Thackeray pointed out.
His son Aaditya Thackeray went a step further, accusing the BJP of creating controversy to distract from governance failures, and alleged that the party was trying to “make a Manipur of Maharashtra”.
Aurangzeb’s Grave Protected by ASI
Aurangzeb’s grave, a protected historical monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), remains a point of contention. Fadnavis acknowledged public anger but stressed, “We want the same thing (to remove the grave) but you need to do it within the framework of the law.”
