NEW DELHI: The city of Nagpur is under a tense curfew following violent clashes that erupted on Monday, March 17. The unrest began in the Mahal area and quickly spread to Hansapuri, resulting in injuries to more than 30 individuals, including at least 15 police officers, one of whom is in serious condition. Authorities have detained over 50 people in connection with the violence, which was sparked by a protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
In response to the escalating violence, an indefinite curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Mahal. Section 144 prohibitory orders, banning gatherings of more than four people, have also been enforced to prevent further unrest.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal assured residents that the situation is now “under control and peaceful,” emphasizing that legal action is being pursued against those responsible for damaging public property.
Monday Night Chaos: From Protest to Riot
The unrest began around 7:30 PM on Monday in the Chitnis Park area of Mahal, where members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue to demand the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb, located over 200 kilometers away in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Tensions flared when rumors spread that a holy book of the Muslim community had been desecrated during the protest—a claim later debunked by police as unfounded. The situation escalated as stones were hurled at police officers attempting to maintain order, resulting in injuries to both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
The violence quickly spread beyond Mahal. In the Hansapuri area near Old Bhandara Road, unidentified individuals vandalized shops, torched vehicles, and pelted stones, intensifying the unrest.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with masked individuals carrying sharp weapons and setting fire to vehicles. Across the city, numerous bikes and cars were reported torched, while homes and businesses suffered significant damage.
Police Response: Tear Gas, Lathis, and Combing Operations
Nagpur police responded swiftly, deploying tear gas and resorting to a lathi charge to disperse the agitating crowds in Chitnis Park, Mahal, Kotwali, and Ganeshpeth. By late Monday night, Section 144 was imposed to prohibit gatherings, and a combing operation was launched in Mahal to identify and detain those involved.
As of Tuesday morning, over 50 individuals had been detained, with efforts ongoing to identify others responsible for the violence.
Political Reactions: Calls for Peace and Criticism of Government
The clashes have sparked a political firestorm. In Delhi, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad condemned the violence, urging both Hindu and Muslim communities to maintain peace and suggesting that certain individuals were attempting to disrupt the state’s social harmony.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state assembly, stating that the clashes appeared to be “pre-planned” and acknowledging that the recent movie “Chhavaa” had fueled public anger against Aurangzeb. He urged everyone to ensure peace in Maharashtra.
The demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb has been a contentious issue in Maharashtra, with right-wing groups arguing that it symbolizes historical oppression. The VHP and Bajrang Dal have threatened a “Babri-like” action if the tomb is not demolished, escalating tensions in the region.
Impact and Aftermath
The affected areas—Ganeshpeth, Mahal, Gandhibagh, and Hansapuri—bore the brunt of the violence, with significant damage to vehicles, homes, and businesses.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation workers were seen clearing debris on Tuesday morning, while a heavy police presence remained in sensitive zones. Residents reported losses due to the unrest, with many expressing concerns over safety and property damage.
For now, the city remains under a tense calm, with authorities and community leaders working to prevent further escalation.
