Violence erupts in Nagpur: Police clash with protesters amid rumours of burning of holy book
Maharashtra: Violence broke out in central Nagpur on Monday after rumors spread that a holy book was burned during a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, with stones hurled and several vehicles torched, leaving at least four people injured.
The situation turned volatile in the Chitnis Park and Mahal areas, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells and resort to baton charges to control the mob. The violence later spilled over to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth as tensions escalated.
Officials said the worst-hit area was the stretch between Chitnis Park and Shukrawari Talao, where rioters pelted stones at houses and set vehicles on fire. Eyewitnesses reported large crowds on the streets, making it difficult for police to contain the unrest.
The clashes began shortly after Bajrang Dal members staged a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. Soon, unverified claims that the Quran had been burned started circulating on social media, fueling anger within the Muslim community.
By evening, a formal complaint was filed at the Ganeshpeth police station regarding the alleged burning of the holy book. Authorities remain on high alert, with additional forces deployed to prevent further escalation.
The videos of the Bajrang Dal demonstration quickly went viral on social media, leading to outrage among members of the Muslim community.
Following the complaint, a large number of Muslim community members started gathering in various parts of the city, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitanvis Park, police said.
Reports indicate that an angry mob resorted to stone pelting and vandalising several vehicles, prompting heavy police deployment in the area.
Earlier in the day, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest against the tomb, demanding its removal. The situation worsened by evening when rival groups confronted each other, leading to violence.
Meanwhile, authorities in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district have tightened security around the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In response to threats from right-wing groups, police have made visitor registration mandatory and are verifying the identity documents of tourists.
The VHP has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the removal of the tomb. The group argues that Aurangzeb's legacy, particularly his conflict with the Marathas and the execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, makes his grave a "symbol of pain and slavery." The VHP also accused Aurangzeb of temple destruction in Kashi, Mathura, and Somnath.
Protests were also held in Nagpur and parts of Mumbai, with right-wing groups intensifying their demand for the tomb's removal. Police continue to maintain a high alert in the affected areas to prevent further violence.