A curfew has been imposed in several parts of Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted on Monday night after rumors spread that a holy book was desecrated during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad.
Violence and Clashes Erupt
Tensions flared in the Mahal area, home to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, after members of the Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Protesters allegedly burned an effigy of Aurangzeb, which later sparked rumors on social media that a Quran had been set alight.
As news of the alleged desecration spread, violent clashes broke out across multiple neighborhoods, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
Mobs set vehicles ablaze, vandalized properties, and pelted stones at police officers and residential buildings.
According to officials, at least six civilians and three police personnel sustained injuries in the violence. Security forces responded with tear gas shelling and baton charges to disperse the rioters.
Security Measures and Arrests
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal imposed the curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting movement and banning gatherings in affected areas.
The curfew applies to police station jurisdictions in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
The order prohibits individuals from moving outside their residences except for medical emergencies and bans gatherings of more than five people.
So far, 15 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence. During operations to control the situation, Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam was seriously injured, while two other officers sustained minor wounds.
Extent of the Damage
Reports indicate that the most intense violence took place along the Chitnis Park–Shukrawari Talao road, where several four-wheelers and at least two JCBs were torched. Homes and businesses were also vandalized in Hansapuri near Old Bhandara Road, with mobs targeting clinics, shops, and personal properties.
Residents in the affected areas have demanded swift police action against those responsible for the destruction. Many have expressed fear and concern, with some families temporarily leaving their homes for safer locations.
Political Reactions and Appeals for Peace
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, urged citizens to remain calm and not be influenced by rumors.
“The police are working to stabilize the situation. I appeal to all residents to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement,” he said.
Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari echoed the call for restraint, reminding citizens of Nagpur’s long-standing history of communal harmony.
Opposition leaders criticized the state government’s handling of the situation. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the administration of failing to maintain law and order, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray described the unrest as an unprecedented breakdown of governance.
The Demand to Remove Aurangzeb’s Tomb
The protest that triggered the violence stemmed from a demand by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb, citing the Mughal emperor’s role in executing Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and destroying Hindu temples.
Similar demonstrations had been organized in Nagpur and suburban Mumbai in recent weeks.
In response to these demands and security concerns, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar police have bolstered security around the tomb. Visitors are now required to register their details and provide identification before entering the site.
A company of the State Reserve Police Force, along with local police and Home Guards, has been deployed to safeguard the area.
Ongoing Investigation and Caution Against Rumors
As the city remains on high alert, police are continuing their investigation into the root causes of the violence and identifying those responsible for inciting unrest.
Authorities have urged citizens to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that legal action will be taken against those found guilty of misinformation.
While the situation remains tense, officials have stated that conditions are currently under control, and further measures will be taken to prevent any resurgence of violence.
Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is expected to visit the affected areas later in the day to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
The coming days will be crucial for ensuring stability in Nagpur as authorities work to restore peace and hold perpetrators accountable for the destruction and violence that unfolded across the city.
