Priyanka Tiwari
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Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur district of Maharashtra after a protest held by right-wing groups, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, over the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (formerly known as Aurangabad). The protest quickly turned violent when rumors spread that a religious book had been desecrated, leading to a mob attacking police personnel and damaging vehicles.
The police were forced to deploy tear gas and resort to a lathi-charge to control the aggressive mob, which numbered between 200-300 people. Several police officers were injured during the clashes, including one who was allegedly attacked with an axe. Fortunately, no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported, according to police officials.
Rumors Ignite Violent Reactions
Speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the attack on police officers and pledged that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable. He detailed the chain of events that led to the unrest, emphasizing the role of rumors in fueling tensions.
"The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held a protest in Nagpur on Monday. Afterward, a rumor began circulating, leading to an escalation in violence later in the evening. A mob of 200-300 individuals turned aggressive and shouted slogans, claiming that a symbolic grave had been covered with a religious text. This rumor triggered the violent outbursts," Fadnavis explained. "It seems to have been a pre-planned attack, and no one has the right to take the law into their own hands."
Burnt Photograph Sparks Clashes
According to Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal, the immediate trigger for the violence was the burning of a photograph, which was linked to the rumor of desecration. "A photograph was set on fire, which instigated people. A case has been filed, and investigations are underway. Following this, clashes broke out, and several police personnel were injured, though none suffered serious injuries," Singal said.
The Bajrang Dal leadership clarified that they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb during the protest, not a religious book. However, a complaint was lodged later in the day at the Ganeshpeth police station, alleging the desecration of a holy book.
Widespread Unrest and Police Response
Fadnavis highlighted that after the protest in the Mahal area of Nagpur, a rumor spread claiming that a sheet with religious text had been placed over the symbolic grave. This led to heightened tensions and aggression among the crowd, which escalated as the day progressed.
By evening, the situation had deteriorated further. A mob, estimated to be around 200-300 people, began pelting stones and attacking police officers, causing damage to dozens of vehicles. In another incident, a mob of 80-100 people attacked the police in the Bhaldalpura area, injuring 33 police officers, including three DCP-rank officers, and damaging more vehicles.
Police and Public Injuries; Curfew Imposed
In total, around five civilians were reported injured, with one in critical condition and admitted to the ICU. Fadnavis confirmed that several cases had been filed at various police stations, including Ganeshpeth and Tehsil Police Stations. In response to the escalating violence, a curfew was imposed in several areas of Nagpur, including Kotwali, Ganeshpet, Lakadganj, and Shantinagar, among others.
The Chief Minister reiterated his call for maintaining peace and urged citizens not to fall for rumors. "The administration is taking all necessary measures to restore order. I appeal to the people to exercise restraint and maintain peace," Fadnavis stated, reinforcing his commitment to punishing those responsible for the violence and ensuring the law is upheld.
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