Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday issued a strong warning, stating that the cost of damage to public property during the recent Nagpur violence will be recovered from those responsible. He announced that if the rioters fail to pay, their properties will be seized and auctioned, and wherever necessary, bulldozer action will be taken.
“Whatever damage has happened will be recovered from the rioters. If they do not pay the money, then their property will be sold for the recovery. Wherever required, bulldozers will also be used,” said Fadnavis.
Clashes Over Religious Symbolism Turn Violent
The violence erupted on March 17 in central Nagpur following rumors that a “chadar” with holy inscriptions was burned during a protest led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which was demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The unrest led to widespread chaos, resulting in the injury of several police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs). Multiple vehicles and homes were vandalized, and a 40-year-old man succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital on Saturday.
Tough Police Crackdown on Rioters and Social Media Misinformation
Fadnavis emphasized that strict action will be taken against those directly involved in the violence, as well as those aiding them. “Police action will be taken against those who are involved in the riots or are helping the rioters,” he stated.
Authorities have also launched a crackdown on misinformation, identifying and deleting 68 social media posts that allegedly contributed to the unrest. “Those who spread rumours on social media will also be made co-accused,” Fadnavis warned.
