Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a stern warning on Wednesday, declaring that those responsible for attacking police personnel during the Nagpur violence will be “dug out from their graves” and brought to justice. His remarks came in response to the brutal assault on law enforcement officers, including an alleged attempt to disrobe a woman constable.
Addressing the state Assembly during a debate on the Budgetary demands of the Home Department, Fadnavis asserted, “Those who attacked the police during the arson in Nagpur will be dug out from their graves. Attacks on police are unpardonable. They will face the strictest punishment. We won’t spare them.”
The violent unrest erupted on Monday night in central Nagpur, where mobs vandalized vehicles, hurled petrol bombs, and attacked houses. The violence reportedly stemmed from rumors that a ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions was burned during a protest led by VHP activists demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Fadnavis emphasized that the arson and rioting were not spontaneous but “planned attempts to disturb social harmony.” He assured that the situation in Nagpur has now been brought under control and that those spreading “deliberate misinformation” will face strict legal action.
“No riots have occurred in Nagpur since 1992. The violence was orchestrated. Only a replica of Aurangzeb’s grave was burned, and we have verified that no Ayat (verses from the Quran) were desecrated. Yet, some individuals deliberately spread rumors to incite tensions,” Fadnavis stated.
Amid the chaos, a disturbing incident was reported where rioters allegedly touched a woman constable inappropriately and attempted to disrobe her. An FIR has been registered, and authorities have vowed to take strict action against the perpetrators.
Fadnavis also defended his statements, clarifying that his remarks did not contradict those of Nagpur’s police commissioner, who had earlier stated that an investigation would determine whether the violence was premeditated.
