An evening of rumor turns into chaos. Last night, the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra witnessed unprecedented unrest for two hours. The debate surrounding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb quickly escalated into violent acts. Amid a demonstration by Bajrang Dal and VHP, a single whisper was enough to thrust the city into mayhem. For two consecutive hours, disorderly individuals engaged in arson and stone-pelting. Both law enforcement personnel and vehicles became targets. In the midst of this, Maharashtra's legislative assembly echoed with uproar.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the legislature regarding the Nagpur violence. He detailed that in the turmoil, 33 police personnel suffered injuries, including three officers of the DCP rank. A particularly egregious assault involved an axe attack on an officer. Consequently, five FIRs have been filed, and a curfew has been imposed across 11 police zones. Reinforcements, comprising five SRPF contingents, have been deployed to restore order.
A Spark of Rumor Ignites a Blaze of Violence
Indeed, it all ignited from an evening rumor claiming that a symbolic grave was draped with a religious emblem. This unfounded claim inflamed tensions, cascading into violent confrontations.
CM Fadnavis' Account
The Chief Minister reported the damage inflicted upon 12 scooters as crowds swelled to around 80-100 individuals. The severity was stark, with conflagrations consuming a crane, two JCBs, and several four-wheelers. Some individuals even fell prey to sword attacks.
The Maharashtra government stands firm in its resolve against the Nagpur violence. Maharashtra's Deputy CM Eknath Shinde branded the events as a deliberate conspiracy, articulating that this orchestrated violence will not go unchecked. Repercussions await those responsible.
Political factions are vociferously debating the incident, with a face-off between Shiv Sena UBT and BJP leaders.
'Nagpur: An RSS Stronghold'
UBT Sena leader Sanjay Raut remarked that the RSS headquarters is stationed in Nagpur, labeling it as an RSS bastion where Mohan Bhagwat resides. Questioning who might instigate riots there, he insinuated internal BJP circles as the orchestrators, critiquing them for inciting fear among Hindus while using Aurangzeb's legacy as a pretext to exert their influence.
Source: aajtak
'Attempts to Disrupt Peace'
UBT Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi identified it as a component of a broader orchestrated scheme, questioning the leadership of Nagpur's CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis. She criticized the governance for inciting such scenarios, purporting a covert attempt to destabilize Maharashtra's economy, directly benefitting rival states.
In his remarks, Milind Deora noted the absence of riots in Maharashtra since the NDA's return in 2022. The government, focused on uplifting the underprivileged, faces disruption from discontented elements. He cautioned Nagpur's residents to remain vigilant, dismiss rumors, and cooperate with the police. Lawbreakers will meet stringent prosecution.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home Affairs, Yogesh Ramdas Kadam, assured ongoing investigations. With 47 individuals in custody, the motives are under scrutiny. Those culpable will face the consequences of their actions.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravindra Singhal defended against accusations from Nagpur Central's BJP MLA Praveen Datke, who alleged a lack of police alignment with Hindus. Commissioner Singhal reaffirmed the police's commendable efforts despite 33 officers sustaining injuries.
Over 50 Arrests Made Thus Far
It is pertinent to remember the origins of this unrest, tracing back to the Mahala district of Nagpur on Monday, where skirmishes flared between two groups over the Aurangzeb tomb dispute. Vandals did not hesitate to incinerate vehicles or engage in stone-pelting, inflicting damage on public resources. Approximately 25 to 30 police officers endured injuries, yet conditions are now under control. Police have apprehended over 50 suspects in connection to this case.
