According to the reports on Tuesday (18 March), violence erupted in Nagpur after rumours spread that a holy book had been burned during an agitation by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. The unrest began on Monday evening (17 March, local time) in central Nagpur, where a mob hurled stones at police officers. Authorities swiftly imposed prohibitory orders in several areas to prevent further escalation. Six people, including three policemen, sustained injuries during the clashes.
A second wave of violence broke out later that night in the Hansapuri area near Old Bhandara Road, where mobs set vehicles on fire and vandalised homes and a clinic. Eyewitnesses reported multiple four-wheelers burning in the Chitnis Park-Shukrawari Talao belt. In the Old Hislop College area, residents claimed that rioters entered their locality, throwing stones at houses and torching cars. Many properties, including a shop and a medical facility, were ransacked.
Victims of the violence recounted their experiences, with Sharad Gupta stating that his four two-wheelers were set ablaze and that he was injured in the attack. Another resident, Vansh Kawle, reported that rioters damaged CCTV cameras before attempting to enter homes. A tea stall owner near a clinic confirmed that the mob destroyed tables and medicines inside the facility. Residents have demanded immediate police action to prevent further attacks.
Following overnight combing operations, police arrested 15 individuals in connection with the riots in Mahal area. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged citizens to maintain peace and harmony. Authorities assured the public that the situation was now under control. Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is scheduled to visit the affected areas to assess the damage and meet with residents.
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