Curfew imposed after Aurangzeb tomb row triggers violence in Nagpur; Vehicles torched, 55 arrested

A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur following violent clashes on Monday night over a protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad. The violence, which started in Chitnis Park around 7:30 pm, escalated to Mahal, Hansapuri, and other nearby areas, leading to widespread arson and vandalism. Several houses were damaged, a medical clinic was set ablaze, and multiple vehicles, including two JCB machines, were torched.

According to officials, the clashes erupted after approximately 200-250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, raising slogans and displaying a green cloth filled with cow dung cakes. Reports suggest that a sacred green cloth with verses was allegedly burnt during the protest, sparking tensions. Rumors of a holy book’s desecration further fueled the unrest, leading to violent retaliation and stone-pelting.

The situation worsened as rioters targeted police personnel attempting to control the crowd. A total of six civilians and four policemen sustained injuries. In response, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 and a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across affected areas. Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that around 80-100 rioters were detained in combing operations. The curfew covers multiple police station limits, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Lakadganj, Tehsil, Shanti Nagar, Pachpaoli, Nandanvan, Sakkardara, Imamwada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, appealed for calm and urged people to refrain from spreading misinformation. "Police are managing the situation following stone pelting and tense situation in Mahal area," he said. Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari also called for peace, emphasizing Nagpur’s history of communal harmony. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those violating the curfew, and additional security personnel have been deployed in the violence-hit areas.

The curfew will remain in effect until further orders, with exemptions granted to essential service providers, government employees, emergency personnel, and students appearing for exams. Police have assured that the situation is under close monitoring and urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement.