Nagpur: Curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur following violent clashes over a call to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra. The tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (formerly Aurangabad), has become the center of a heated row.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged citizens to remain calm, cooperate with the police, and not fall prey to rumours. “Nagpur is a peace-loving city. I appeal to everyone to help maintain law and order,” Fadnavis said, warning of strict action against those resorting to violence.
Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal issued a notice under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, placing Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police station areas under curfew until further notice.
The violence began after supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest yesterday at the Mahal area near Shivaji Maharaj’s statue. Protesters reportedly raised slogans, burned a photo of Aurangzeb, and set fire to a symbolic grave wrapped in green cloth, which allegedly sparked rumours that sacred verses were written on it.
Soon after, around 80 to 100 people from another community turned violent, leading to stone-pelting on the police and arson. Several vehicles were torched. Police responded with lathicharge and tear gas, eventually bringing the situation under control.
At least four civilians and over a dozen police personnel were injured, according to reports. So far, 50 people have been detained, and heavy police deployment remains in place to prevent further escalation.
Union minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari also appealed for calm. “Do not fall for misinformation. The government will act against those responsible,” he said.
Opposition leaders have criticized the state government for the unrest. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said, “The law and order of the state has collapsed like never before,” pointing out that Nagpur is the home city of both the Chief Minister and Home Minister. NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule and Congress leader Pawan Khera also expressed concern, urging for communal harmony and warning against attempts to polarize the state.
The situation continues to be closely monitored by the authorities
