Violent clashes erupted in multiple areas of Nagpur as protests over the demand to demolish Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb turned chaotic. Tensions flared on Monday afternoon in Ganeshpeth, Mahal, and Gandhibagh, leading to incidents of stone-pelting and arson.
According to local authorities, unrest intensified following rumors that a sacred book of the Muslim community had been desecrated during the protests. Viral videos of a Bajrang Dal demonstration further fueled tensions, triggering a confrontation between groups. The police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the mobs, leaving several people injured.
Right-wing organizations, including Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), held demonstrations across Maharashtra, including in Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik, Malegaon, Nagpur, and Ahilyanagar. The demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, gained momentum following controversial remarks by Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi praising the Mughal ruler.
Government Response and Security Measures
In response to escalating violence, Maharashtra police imposed a curfew in several parts of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The curfew affects key areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the curfew will remain in effect until further notice to maintain peace and prevent further unrest. He also reported that around 200-250 VHP and Bajrang Dal members had gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal before violence erupted. Another group of nearly 100 individuals assembled in Bhaldarpura in the evening, further aggravating tensions.
Political Reactions
BSP supremo Mayawati condemned the demand to demolish the tomb, calling it “damaging to mutual brotherhood, peace, and harmony.” She urged the Maharashtra government to take strict action against those instigating violence. Maharashtra Congress Chief Harshvardhan Sapkal blamed state ministers for making provocative statements, accusing the ruling party of using communal tensions to divert attention from economic and social issues.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed authorities to take stringent action against anyone involved in the violence, emphasizing that law and order would be upheld at all costs. Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule assured that no one responsible for the unrest would be spared.
Current Situation
Police officials stated that the situation is now under control, with security forces deployed across sensitive areas. Section 144 has been imposed in volatile regions to curb gatherings. Reports indicate that two vehicles were torched, while at least 8-10 shops and other vehicles were vandalized.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called the violence “unfortunate,” urging citizens to maintain peace.As authorities continue to assess damages and investigate the instigators, the state remains on high alert to prevent further flare-ups. Increased security has been deployed at Aurangzeb’s tomb to prevent any unlawful actions.
