Tension gripped Nagpur’s Mahal area on Monday night resulting in violent clashes triggered by a dispute between two groups. Stones were pelted, vehicles were torched, and properties were damaged as the situation became out of control. After Mahal, tensions were further heightened, and clashes erupted in Hansapuri as some unidentified miscreants woke up and chose violence. According to reports, they set vehicles ablaze, vandalized local shops, and even pelted stones, creating panic among the residents.

An eyewitness from Hansapuri who witnessed the violence told ANI that a masked group came here with sharp weapons, bottles, and stickers. “They started the ruckus, vandalized shops, and pelted stones. They also torched vehicles,” the eyewitness added. Another local confirmed that at least 8 to 10 vehicles were set on fire and shops were vandalized.

Locals React

On the violence that broke out last night in Hansapuri, a local shopkeeper said, “At 10.30 pm, I closed my shop. Suddenly, I saw people torching vehicles. When I tried to douse the fire, I was hit with a stone. My two vehicles and a few other vehicles parked nearby were torched.” Another local alleged, “After 1.5 hours of the entire incident, Police came here. The people who did this first targeted CCTV cameras and damaged them.”

Curfew Imposed, Situation Under Control

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal said that a photo was burnt following which a few people gathered. The situation is under control now, he stated. Following clashes in Nagpur’s Mahal area by over 1000 people, Nagpur Police issued prohibitory orders in the city detaining 50 people as of now. Curfew was imposed in several areas under Section 163 until further notice.

Political Leaders React

Speaking to the media, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said, “Maharashtra will not tolerate such people who support Aurangzeb.”

Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule has called the incident unfortunate. He informed the media that the Chief Minister is making all efforts to calm down the Nagpur people. The BJP President said that at least 34 police personnel were injured in the violence and around 40 to 45 vehicles were damaged. “

“4-5 civilians also sustained injuries. The Maharashtra govt has made all efforts to control the situation and ensure peace in all parts of the state. The Police are investigating this matter to find out the exact reason why the violence started. Social media accounts discussing this event are being tracked. We are making all efforts to ensure that such an incident is not repeated. We will find those who are behind it. I urge people to cooperate with the police personnel. We have asked everyone not to give statements that might trigger the situation and escalate tension. The ruling side and the opposition must ensure that the atmosphere remains calm,” he added.

While speaking to ANI, BJP MLA Pravin Datke alleged that the Police didn’t stand with the Hindus of the Mahal area and the cops in charge were not available on the phone for 2 hours

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence in Mahal and Hansapuri in the Assembly today, stating, “This violent incident and riots seem to be pre-planned.” Earlier on Monday, the Chief Minister said, “How the situation became tense in the Mahal area of Nagpur is highly condemnable. A few people pelted stones, even at the Police. This is wrong. I am keeping an eye on the situation. I have told the Police Commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary to maintain law and order.”

He further added, “If someone riots or pelts stones at the Police or creates tensions in society, strict action should be taken against all such people. I appeal to everyone to behave to ensure that the peace of Nagpur is not disturbed. If someone attempts to create tension, very strict action will be taken against them.”

What Led To The Nagpur Violence?

Unfounded rumours claim that the holy Quran was burned down amidst a protest by a right-wing group. They demanded Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb be dismantled in Sambhaji Nagar. Reports suggest that the protest was organized by Hindu Nationalist groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who allegedly set fire to a cloth with ‘Kalma’ written on it. This resulted in widespread outrage among the Muslim community.

About Aurangzeb Tomb Row

Right-wing Hindu Nationalist groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), had demanded the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb. Following this, security had been tightened at the tomb of the Aurangzeb Tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.