NAGPUR: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday attributed recent communal clashes in Nagpur to public anger allegedly fueled by the film *Chhaava*, while asserting that the violence was โwell-plannedโ and vowing strict action against perpetrators. His remarks came after tensions flared in the cityโs Ganeshpeth, Mahal, and Gandhibagh areas on Monday, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and police intervention.
Fadnavis urged citizens to maintain peace, stating, โWhile the movie has stirred emotions against Aurangzeb, it is imperative to uphold Maharashtraโs harmony. Law enforcement will act decisively against anyone disrupting order, irrespective of community.โ Over 50 individuals have been arrested so far, with five FIRs registered.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal detailed the sequence of events, explaining that clashes erupted after a photograph was burned and circulated on social media. โTwo groups confronted each other during sloganeering, leading to violence. Police intervened with lathi charges and tear gas,โ he said, appealing for calm and cautioning against rumors.
The violence reportedly stemmed from demands to demolish Mughal emperor Aurangzebโs tomb. Tensions escalated when rumors spread about the desecration of a religious text during a protest by Bajrang Dal, prompting retaliatory clashes.
Opposition leaders, including BSPโs Mayawati and Shiv Sena (UBT) members, criticized the state governmentโs handling of the situation, demanding stricter measures to curb unrest. Authorities continue to monitor the area, with additional security deployed to prevent further escalation.
Incidents of communal strife linked to historical figures have surged in recent months, highlighting simmering tensions over symbolic issues. Investigations into the Nagpur violence remain ongoing.
