Tensions escalated in central Nagpur late Monday night, leading to violent clashes and widespread destruction. At least 50 individuals were arrested following protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad. The violence resulted in injuries to dozens, including 10 anti-riot commandos, two senior police officers, and two firemen, with a constable in critical condition. Mobs set fire to two bulldozers and 40 vehicles, including police vans, as law enforcement struggled to regain control.
The unrest was triggered by protests, with reports suggesting that effigies of Aurangzeb and a religious chadar were burned near Shivaji Putla Square at Mahal Gate, about 2 km from the RSS headquarters. In retaliation, another group gathered, demanding swift action against the protesters, which led to stone-pelting, arson, and violent confrontations with the police. Misinformation spread through social media played a significant role in fueling the tensions.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Morning visuals from the Mahal area of Nagpur, where a clash took place last night following a dispute between two groups. pic.twitter.com/U83N4nNULx
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
As violence spread, security forces deployed riot-control measures, including water cannons and tear gas, to disperse the crowds. Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal dispatched over 1,000 officers and imposed prohibitory orders in high-risk areas like Mahal, Chitnis Park Chowk, and Bhaldarpura. Key roads were sealed off, and additional reinforcements, along with intelligence teams, were brought in to prevent further escalation. Despite these efforts, sporadic stone-throwing incidents continued well into the night.
Local peace committees were activated to calm tensions, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urging Nagpur residents to maintain peace and disregard rumors. “Nagpur has always been a city of harmony. I request citizens not to believe in rumors and to cooperate with the police,” Fadnavis urged.
Dr. Singal assured the public that peace had been restored, though he confirmed some vehicles had been torched and stone-pelting had occurred. An FIR had been filed based on the names provided by the protesters, and combing operations were underway to identify and arrest those involved.
Meanwhile, protests also broke out in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, home to Aurangzeb's tomb, with the VHP and Bajrang Dal issuing warnings of escalating their agitation across Marathwada and other regions if their demands were not met.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has called for a report on the situation, especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Nagpur just two weeks away. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in the affected areas, advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary gatherings.
