NAGPUR: Violence erupted in the Mahal area of Nagpur on Monday night at around 8:30 PM following tensions over the Aurangzeb tomb controversy. The unrest began after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) burned an effigy of Aurangzeb, leading to clashes between the two groups.
According to officials, a rumor spread that demonstrators had burned a religious book along with the effigy, escalating tensions. This led to stone-pelting between the groups, damaging several vehicles. Additionally, two JCB machines were set on fire during the violence.
To control the situation, the police fired tear gas shells. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Niketan Kadam was attacked with an axe, sustaining injuries. Several people were injured in the clashes, and the police have detained more than 55 individuals involved in the violence.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged people to cooperate with the administration, stating, “We are in constant touch with the police and administration. Nagpur is a peaceful city, and no one should believe in rumors.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the violence, stating that the attack was premeditated. “Stones were thrown at the police. Those responsible will not be spared. Aurangzeb was an enemy of the nation, and strict action will be taken against his supporters,” he said.
Nagpur DCP Archit Chandak attributed the violence to a misunderstanding, assuring that the situation was now under control. “We appeal to the public to stay indoors and refrain from stone-pelting. Some police personnel have been injured, and I have also sustained a minor injury in my leg,” he said.
According to media reports, 20 police teams have been deployed to restore peace in the city. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, security has been increased at Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
