- By Shibra Siddiqui
- Sat, 22 Mar 2025 05:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking on the alleged Bangladeshi links to Nagpur violence, said it was too early to comment on speculations of a foreign or Bangladeshi hand in the arson on March 17 in the city. Fadnavis said that the probe was ongoing and the incident could not be termed as a result of ‘intelligence failure’; however, "better intelligence (gathering) could have prevented the large-scale civil unrest," the Maharashtra CM, who visited Nagpur on Friday for the first time after violence erupted on Monday, said.
What Triggered the Nagpur Violence?
The unrest erupted on the morning of March 17 after a replica of Aurangzeb's grave was burnt. While an FIR was registered immediately, rumours spread that a verse from the Quran was inscribed on the replica, leading to large-scale protests, stone-pelting, and arson. "The crowd gathered following rumours and resorted to stone-pelting and arson. The police have taken preventive action, and an investigation is underway," Fadnavis stated.
Nagpur Violence: Over 100 Arrested, Social Media Crackdown Begins
- 104 arrests made so far, with more to follow based on CCTV footage.
- 68 inflammatory social media posts identified and deleted.
- Sedition charges were filed against Fahim Khan and five others for allegedly inciting violence.
"Strict action will be taken against all rioters, including those who attacked police personnel. We will ensure that every individual involved is brought to justice," the CM assured.
Nagpur Violence: Property Seizures and Compensation for Damages
Fadnavis who heads the state's Home Ministry said that the cost of damaged properties will be recovered from the people involved and in case of failure their properties will be seized and the recovery will be made from the selling of those properties. "Strict action will be taken against rioters who attacked police personnel. My government will not rest until elements who attacked the police are found out and dealt with sternly," the CM said.
- Recovery of damages will be made directly from the accused.
- Seizure of properties for those unable to pay, followed by auctioning for compensation.
Nagpur Violence: Will PM Modi’s Nagpur Visit Be Affected?
The CM dismissed concerns that the violence would impact Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Nagpur, affirming that security measures are in place to ensure smooth arrangements.
Unrest erupted in Nagpur on March 17 early morning following rumours of the desecration of religious material during a demonstration. Clashes between two communities led to large-scale arson and vandalism, with several vehicles set ablaze. Thirty-three police personnel, including three deputy commissioner of police-rank officers, were injured during the violence. Police have filed charges of sedition against alleged key accused Fahim Khan and five others.