Mumbai (Maharashtra)

The violence that erupted in Nagpur has sparked intense reactions from the Maharashtra leadership, with both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde calling the incident "unfortunate" and "pre-planned," while the authorities move to investigate the cause and nature of the unrest. The violence follows protests by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave, leading to widespread chaos and injuries.

Fadnavis, while addressing the legislative assembly, stated that the violence "looks like a well-planned attack" and that it had been instigated by rumors that items containing religious content had been burned. He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, saying, “In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt...It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands."

Fadnavis went on to explain the scale of the violence, which led to injuries among police officers. He stated that attacks on law enforcement would not be tolerated, and strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence. “Three DCPs included in total 33 policemen injured. Of five injured civilians, three have been discharged, and one remains in the ICU,” Fadnavis shared, also confirming that “11 police stations have issued prohibitory orders in Nagpur. Five separate FIRs have been registered in the matter.”

"We have got a trolley of stones from the violence spots - some specified houses and institutions were targeted. One DCP was attacked by an Axe. We will surely take action, and those who have taken law and order into their own hands will not be spared. Attack on police will not be tolerated," Fadnavis added.

The Chief Minister linked the unrest to the film "Chhava" which he believes sparked public anger against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Despite these tensions, he urged for peace and assured that any acts of violence would result in action, regardless of caste or religion. "The Chhava movie has ignited people's anger against Aurangzeb, but still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful. Law and order should be maintained. If anyone riots, we will take action regardless of caste or religion," Fadnavis said.

Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Fadnavis confirmed that complaints from a Muslim delegation had been received, and police were taking necessary actions.

In the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the situation grew tense as Shiv Sena leaders called for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. The opposition accused the ruling Mahayuti government of failing to handle the growing unrest. The opposition party claimed that the violence in Nagpur was a direct result of provocative statements made by government ministers, particularly those glorifying Aurangzeb.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Pravin Datke, who visited the violence-hit area of Hansapuri, accused the unrest of being "pre-planned." He pointed out the targeted destruction of certain shops and stalls as evidence of a well-organized attack. “This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. There's a (roadside) stall that belongs to a Muslim. Nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged. The cameras were destroyed. It indicates that this thing was planned,” Datke said.

The MLA also expressed frustration over the police's response, accusing them of failing to support Hindu citizens during the violence. "I have to say that the Police were not standing with the Hindu citizens here. I don't know the reason behind it. A large part of the mob came from the outside...If the Police don't take action, the Hindus will be forced to take the next step. This is all I want to say," Datke added.

As the situation escalated, a curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in an effort to restore order. The curfew, which will remain in effect until further notice, includes police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. The curfew was implemented following clashes that broke out on March 17 between around 200 to 250 members of VHP and Bajrang Dal, who gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. The protesters raised slogans and displayed a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes.

Later, a separate gathering of 80 to 100 people in Bhaldarpura caused further tension and disrupted public order, leading to more police action. To maintain peace, the police imposed a "communication ban (curfew)" and closed roads in the affected areas. Any violations of the curfew are punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

‘Unfortunate...’

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also addressed the media, condemned the violence in Nagpur, calling it "unfortunate" and underscoring that the police were investigating whether the incident was part of a "pre-planned conspiracy." He noted that four senior police officers (DCP level) had been injured, and petrol bombs were reportedly thrown during the unrest.

"The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. 4 DCP level officers were injured in this incident. The CM is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the Police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace," Shinde stated.

ALSO READ: Linguistic prodigy Mahmoud Akram aims to translate Tamil classics

Shinde also urged the public to refrain from inciting violence between communities, adding a sharp critique of Aurangzeb's legacy. "Who is Aurangzeb? Is he a saint? Has he done any good work? One should read the history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and watch Chhava movies. They tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days. Aurangzeb was a traitor. Aurangzeb's grave is a blot on Maharashtra. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj," he added.

With curfews and investigations underway, the Maharashtra government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to prevent further unrest. Authorities are focused on ensuring that peace is restored and that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.

(With ANI inputs)