Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur shortly after Hindu groups organized a protest in the city demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar.
Around 20 individuals, including 15 police officers, were injured in the violence. Additionally, about 25 motorcycles and three cars were set on fire, and 17 people were detained. To control the unrest, prohibitory orders were enforced in the city. The clashes stemmed from ongoing controversy over the tomb of Aurangzeb in Sambhaji Nagar, with Hindu groups such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for its demolition. On Monday morning, both groups held protests in Nagpur, just hours before the violence erupted.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office stated that police are currently handling the situation, which escalated due to stone-throwing incidents and growing tensions in Nagpur’s Mahal area. “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens to cooperate fully with the administration,” the statement read.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal confirmed that the situation in the city is now peaceful. He explained that the unrest began after a photo was burned, sparking a gathering of people who voiced their concerns. The violence occurred between 8 and 8:30 p.m., with reports of two vehicles being set on fire and incidents of stone-pelting. Dr. Singal added that combing operations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
“We have imposed Section 144, instructing people not to go out unnecessarily or take the law into their own hands. Please do not believe in rumours,” he urged. The Nagpur rural police have been deployed to assist, and the cyber police are actively working to prevent the spread of misinformation. The clashes resulted in the destruction of 25 to 30 two-wheelers and 2 to 3 cars.
Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari called for calm, urging residents to stay composed amidst the rising tensions. “Due to certain rumours, religious tensions have flared up in Nagpur,” he said, adding that the government would take appropriate action against those responsible for the violence. “The Chief Minister has already been informed about the situation, and I urge everyone to ignore the rumours,” he stated.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticized the state home department for failing to prevent the violence, blaming them for the events of Monday in Nagpur. He also accused government ministers of making provocative speeches in recent days, fueling the unrest.
