Nagpur violence: Over 50 arrested; normalcy returning but curfew continues in 11 areas
PTC Web Desk: The Nagpur police have arrested more than 50 persons following the violence that erupted on the night of March 17. The police are closely examining CCTV footage and social media activity to identify additional suspects linked to the unrest, which was reportedly triggered by rumours of a holy book being burned during a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the situation has returned to normal. "The area is peaceful now. We have imposed curfew restrictions under the jurisdiction of 11 police stations, and the situation is completely under control," he told ANI.
Commissioner Singal said police force was present from the beginning of the violence, which left 33 police personnel injured. "We have detained over 50 persons. Anyone identified through CCTV footage or social media for involvement in property damage or disturbing peace will be arrested," he added.
In response to escalating tensions, a curfew has been imposed in several Nagpur areas under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The restrictions apply to police jurisdictions including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
Clashes erupted in Chitnis Park, Mahal, around 7.30 pm on March 17, with stones hurled at the police, leaving several civilians and officials injured. The violence quickly spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, intensifying later in the evening. Nearly 1,000 persons engaged in stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, causing damage to homes and vehicles.
The violence further escalated in Hansapuri, where unknown people vandalised shops, torched vehicles, and pelted stones. A new clash near Old Bhandara Road between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm saw mobs setting fire to vehicles and damaging properties, including a clinic.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the incident as a "well-planned attack" and condemned the spread of inflammatory rumours. "Protests were held by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, and then rumours about religious materials being burned were circulated. This appears to be a coordinated attack. No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands," he stated in the state Assembly.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minority Commission chairman Pyare Khan urged people to maintain peace, stating that outsiders, not local residents, were responsible for the violence. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the state home department, calling the incident a failure of administration. He also accused ministers of making provocative speeches leading up to the unrest.
Current situation
The police have assured that the situation is now stable, urging residents to avoid unnecessary outings as the police continue to monitor developments.
- With inputs from agencies
