Fahim Khan, Key Accused in Nagpur Violence, Granted Bail with Strict Conditions

Nagpur: Fahim Shamim Khan, the 38-year-old president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP) and a key accused in the communal violence that erupted in Nagpur’s Mahal area on March 17, has been granted conditional bail by the district and sessions court. The order was passed by District Judge Ajay Kulkarni, marking a crucial development in a case that has drawn sharp political and communal attention.

Khan was released under stringent conditions. He must report to the Ganeshpeth police station twice every month and is required to cooperate fully with all aspects of the ongoing investigation. Additionally, the court asked him to provide a surety bond of ₹1 lakh to ensure compliance. His bail was granted on the grounds of parity, as over 68 other co-accused in the case had already been granted bail under similar conditions earlier this month.

Advocate Ashwin Ingole, representing Khan, stated that his client would respect all bail conditions and continue his political work peacefully. “The law must take its course, but political targeting should not become part of legal proceedings,” Ingole said.

Fahim Khan was initially arrested by Ganeshpeth police under serious criminal charges including sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and others. The charges stem from allegations of incitement, unlawful assembly, violence, and damage to public property during the March 17 protests.

District government pleader Nitin Telgote confirmed the bail but stressed that the trial’s timeline is still undecided. “The court granted bail for parity, but the charges remain serious. The trial will proceed once the legal framework is ready,” Telgote said.

The case originates from a flare-up in Nagpur’s Mahal locality, where tensions broke out after members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal reportedly burned an effigy of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. In response, Fahim Khan and his supporters staged a protest outside the Ganeshpeth police station, demanding immediate action against those responsible for the provocation.