Nagpur: Nagpur witnessed intense violence on Monday evening following a protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and clashes between two groups. In response, authorities have imposed a curfew in multiple areas of the city to restore order.
As per reports, at least 12 police personnel, including three DCPs (Deputy Commissioners of Police), sustained injuries during the violence. The police have arrested 15 people so far, an official told news agency PTI.
The curfew has been enforced in several parts of Nagpur, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar police station jurisdictions, as confirmed by city police on Tuesday.
The violence erupted around 7:30 pm in the Chitnis Park area of Mahal, where protestors clashed with police after rumours spread that a holy book of a community had been burned during an agitation led by a right-wing outfit. Another violent clash broke out in Hansapuri near Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm, where a mob set several vehicles on fire, vandalized houses, and even attacked a clinic.
To disperse the rioters, police fired tear gas shells and used lathi charges, as multiple cars were torched and widespread arson took place.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have appealed for peace, urging citizens to maintain harmony and not fall prey to misinformation.
