Prohibitory orders were imposed across several areas of Nagpur, Maharashtra, after two separate violent clashes broke out on Monday evening. The violence resulted in the vandalism of houses, arson of a medical clinic, and multiple vehicles torched, leaving six people and three policemen injured.
Two Major Clashes Erupt in Nagpur
The first incident occurred around 7:30 pm in the Chitnis Park area of Mahal, while the second clash erupted in the Hansapuri area near Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm. Reports confirm that stones were pelted at police officials trying to bring the situation under control.
According to ANI, a fire brigade official reported that two JCBs were set ablaze along with several other vehicles. Police arrested 15 individuals during combing operations in the Mahal area. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and video clips to identify those responsible, and an FIR has been registered.
What Triggered the Violence?
PTI reports indicate that the violence was sparked by rumors alleging the desecration of a holy book during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
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An official police order stated that around 200 to 250 members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, to demand the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Protesters raised slogans and displayed a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes.
Around 7:30 pm, a group of 80 to 100 people assembled in Bhaldarpura, causing public distress and impacting traffic movement.
Section 144, Curfew Imposed in Nagpur
Nagpur Police imposed Section 144, restricting gatherings and movement. Additionally, a curfew under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was enforced in several areas.
According to Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, restrictions will continue until further notice. The curfew applies to Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police station limits.
The order strictly prohibits gatherings of more than five people and the spread of rumors. Violators face punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
However, exemptions apply to police and government employees on duty, students attending exams, fire brigade personnel, and those involved in essential services.
Police Say Situation Under Control
“The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned, after which people gathered. We took action accordingly. FIRs have been registered, and arrests made based on complaints,” Commissioner Singal told ANI.
“Except for the affected areas, the city remains peaceful. Two vehicles have been torched, and stone-pelting occurred. Combing operations are underway to nab the culprits,” he added.
Residents Forced to Flee Amid Violence
Witnesses reported mobs with covered faces burning vehicles and vandalizing property. Hansapuri resident Sharad Gupta said four of his two-wheelers were torched. “They also vandalized a neighbor’s shop. Police arrived an hour later,” Gupta told PTI.
Another resident, Chandrakant Kawde, involved in Ramnavami Shobha Yatra preparations, said the mob destroyed his decorations and attacked homes.
Vansh Kawle, a local resident, reported that the mob damaged CCTV cameras and attempted to break into houses.
Political Reactions and Appeals for Calm
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed for peace, assuring that police and the administration are managing the situation. “Citizens should cooperate with authorities and not believe rumors,” his office said.
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule also urged the public to maintain peace and avoid spreading misinformation.
Congress National Spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil condemned the violence, calling it a politically motivated conspiracy. “Nagpur has never witnessed such riots. I request everyone to maintain peace,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the situation, alleging strategic attempts to destabilize the state.
Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal blamed the Home Department, calling it an intelligence failure. “Stone pelting and arson happened without prior intelligence. Provocative statements by a state cabinet minister may have triggered the unrest,” Sapkal stated.
