The flames of chaos have subsided in Maharashtra's Nagpur, but the search for those responsible continues. Police are piecing together how a sudden spark ignited a violent conflagration throughout the city. Who orchestrated these acts of disorder, and who were the masked agitators fueling the unrest? The investigation is ongoing.
Amidst the turmoil, parallels have been drawn to strategies often seen in Kashmir. Rioters unleashed a barrage of stones, desecrated properties, and even targeted law enforcement officials. Armaments such as swords and axes were in play, escalating the violence further. A vehicle was filled with stones recovered by the police, testament to the scale of the assault.
An anonymous Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer disclosed ongoing investigations. Although the 'Kashmir Pattern' of stone-pelting is notorious, initial findings have not confirmed its usage here. Nonetheless, questions arise about how the mob obtained such quantities of bricks and stones. The deployment of petrol bombs by rioters is also under scrutiny.
The long-standing method of stoning, known as 'stone pelting', is a hallmark of protest in Kashmir, executed with precision and strategy. Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have both commented on the seemingly premeditated nature of the violence.
Come Tuesday evening, police forces marched through Nagpur's troubled zones, a show of strength and stability. Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal articulates the agency's focus on uncovering the onset of this violence and potential incitement via social media. With curfews imposed in 11 police jurisdictions, the city remains calm. Over 50 individuals have been detained thus far in sweeping police operations.
Social media footage and CCTV are under rigorous examination in the search for others involved. Rioters have utilized materials from construction sites for their chaos. Focusing on the veiled troublemakers, police are liaising with community figures to prevent future incidents. Arrests burgeon, along with incessant social media oversight to crack conspiracies and count accomplices.
Unrest erupted on Monday evening around 7:30 at Chitnis Park, situated in central Nagpur's Mahal locality. Following false alarms spread via social networks, alleging Hindu groups’ derogatory actions against religious symbols, a group launched into fiery confrontation and vandalism, immobilizing vehicles and invading homes. At least 34 police personnel sustained injuries during the confrontations.
However, this outrage stemmed from rumors surrounding planned symbolic acts—a Hindu protest intended to burn a mock grave of Aurangzeb composed of cow dung. This event was misconstrued, prompting an erroneous frenzy that led to tensions skyrocketing.
Video evidence emerged showing armed attackers targeting police forces. It's suspected that social media was pivotal in rallying this ferocity. The police are cautiously identifying users responsible for the volatile spread of misinformation, and local BJP politicians assert the violence bore a strategic intent.
Source: aajtak
In response, five FIRs have been submitted, leading to 60 apprehensions. Thirty-two police officers, including DCP-level officials, suffered injuries. Despite aggressive attacks, police personnel were swift to return to duty, maintaining order across the afflicted zones, where curfews persist.
Maharashtra’s CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed concerns about the apparent calculated nature of the attacks, suspecting pre-identified targets. He referenced a cinematic portrayal that revived societal emotions against certain historical figures.
Fadnavis hinted at conspiracies aimed at select communities while reporting injuries to 33 police members. A DCP bore a grave ax attack, yet the resolve to maintain peace shields those affected.
Source: aajtak
Providing a meticulous breakdown, Fadnavis explained that a protest by Hindu bodies aimed at dismantling an Aurangzeb monument ignited tensions. Symbolic acts and provocation stirred unrest until an exaggerated narrative led to severe reactions.
Subsequent altercations saw masked individuals and organized mischief escalating confrontations. Despite countermeasures, violence briefly seized the streets, with many sustaining injuries and tangible destruction remaining. Deduced as an orchestrated movement, police and officials strive to restore normalcy, grounded in justice and peace.
