Bulldozer action begins at key accused Fahim Khan’s house in Nagpur violence case

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Monday demolished the house of Fahim Khan, a key accused in the March 17 communal violence, citing unauthorized construction and encroachment on municipal land. Khan, leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), was arrested for sedition and allegedly inciting riots after reports emerged that a ‘chadar’ with religious inscriptions had been burnt during a protest by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The demolition took place in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, after NMC issued a notice citing multiple violations, including the absence of an approved building plan. Khan’s family did not take corrective action within the stipulated time, leading to the removal of the alleged illegal structures. Officials stated that the house was registered in the name of Khan’s wife. The civic body had earlier conducted an inspection on March 20 under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966.

On March 17, violence erupted in Nagpur following the alleged burning incident, resulting in stone-pelting and arson in multiple areas. Authorities reported that 33 police personnel, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank, sustained injuries. More than 100 people were arrested in connection with the violence, including Khan. Law enforcement agencies also sealed two shops linked to MDP after investigations indicated they were used by rioters.

Maharashtra Police’s Cyber Cell stated that Khan allegedly edited and circulated videos of the protest, which contributed to the spread of riots across different parts of the city. "He (Fahim Khan) edited and circulated the video of the protest against Aurangzeb due to which the riots spread. He also glorified violent videos," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lohit Matani. The police are continuing their probe into digital evidence related to the riots.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also heads the Home Ministry, announced that the cost of damages caused during the riots would be recovered from those responsible. "My government will not rest until those responsible for attacking the police are found and dealt with sternly," he stated. He also warned that properties of rioters would be seized and auctioned if they failed to pay for the damages. The government has emphasized strict action against those involved in the unrest.

Curfew in the riot-affected areas was lifted on Sunday after six days of restrictions. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s demolition marks the first such action against a riot accused’s property in the city. The situation in Nagpur remains under close monitoring, with additional security measures in place to prevent further disturbances.