Violent clashes erupted in parts of Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Monday evening, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to allege a possible conspiracy behind the unrest. Authorities are closely monitoring social media platforms for any involvement in spreading rumors and inciting violence.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Shinde stated, “It looks like a conspiracy.” He confirmed that stone-pelting incidents occurred in the Mahal area of Nagpur, damaging vehicles and injuring four police personnel. He urged people to refrain from provoking communal tensions, emphasizing that Aurangzeb should not be glorified.

The violence broke out around 7:30 PM in the Chitnis Park area of Mahal following rumors that a religious text had been burned during a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Another clash occurred later in the Hansapuri area between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM, during which an unruly mob set vehicles on fire, vandalized houses, and attacked a clinic.

As a result of the unrest, nine people sustained injuries, and 15 individuals have been arrested. The police have since brought the situation under control.

Explaining the sequence of events, Shinde noted that the initial protest against Aurangzeb in the afternoon led to a confrontation between two groups. Although the police intervened, a crowd reassembled in the evening, escalating tensions. He assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible, stating, “No one will be spared. Maharashtra will not tolerate support for Aurangzeb.”

To prevent further violence, a curfew has been imposed in several parts of Nagpur.

On Monday, during ‘Shiv Jayanti,’ Shinde reiterated his stance against Aurangzeb, calling those who praise the Mughal emperor “traitors.” He contrasted Aurangzeb’s rule with that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whom he described as a “divine force” representing valor, sacrifice, and Hindutva. Shinde also credited Shivaji Maharaj as the “inventor of democracy” and a symbol of Indian pride.

Condemning Aurangzeb’s actions, particularly the execution of Shivaji’s son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shinde asserted, “Aurangzeb came to seize Maharashtra but was met with the divine power of Shivaji Maharaj. Those who continue to glorify him are nothing but traitors.”

He further emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader, a proponent of justice, and a ruler who cared for the common people.