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Violence erupted in Nagpur on Friday evening, leaving more than 30 people injured after a clash between two groups in the Mahal area. The unrest followed protests by Hindu outfits demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has claimed that the violence was planned in advance.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Efforts underway to douse fire in vehicles that have been torched in Mahal area of ​​Nagpur.
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
Tensions have broken out here following a dispute between two groups. pic.twitter.com/rRheKdpGh4
What Happened?
- Around 60 to 65 people have been taken into custody after the clashes.
- 25 to 30 police personnel were injured.
- Rioters set fire to 25 bikes and three cars.
BJP MLA Pravin Datke visited the scene and alleged that the violence was "pre-planned." He claimed that the mob specifically targeted Hindu houses and shops, broke security cameras first, and then carried out the attack. He also accused the police of not supporting Hindu citizens and said many rioters came from outside Nagpur.
Background of the Clashes
The violence occurred amid ongoing tensions over Aurangzeb’s tomb. Hindu groups like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have been demanding its demolition. On Monday morning, these groups staged protests in Nagpur, just hours before the clashes.
Government and Police Response
- Maharashtra CM's Office: The Chief Minister has urged people to remain calm and cooperate with the police.
- Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal said the violence started after a photo was burned, leading to protests. The situation is now under control, and Section 144 has been imposed to prevent further unrest.
- Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari: He has appealed to citizens to ignore rumors and maintain peace.
Political Reactions
Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal blamed the state home department for failing to prevent the violence.
Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence: Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal says, "In the city of Nagpur, the stone pelting and arsoning in the night is extremely unfortunate. I urge all residents of Nagpur not to trust the rumours. Nagpurkars should maintain peace. In… pic.twitter.com/tIo0Uer04S
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
BJP Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged people to stay peaceful and avoid spreading false information.
#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence | Maharashtra Minister and State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule says, "First priority is to restore peace in society and keep it away from rumours. An investigation will later reveal why the unrest occurred. But the people of Nagpur… pic.twitter.com/s7xgU71Tan
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Aaditya Thackeray and Priyanka Chaturvedi, along with Congress leader Pawan Khera, criticized the state government’s handling of the law and order situation.
The law and order of the state has collapsed like never before. Nagpur, the home city of the CM and Home Minister, is facing this. https://t.co/AJxitSe1JB
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 17, 2025
Current Situation
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the culprits. The police have deployed extra forces, conducted raids, and registered an FIR. Meanwhile, videos from the scene show burning vehicles, damaged public property, and the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The investigation is ongoing, and the government has assured strict action against those responsible.
