- By Deeksha Gour
- Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:26 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nagpur Violence: Hours after violent clashes erupted in Nagpur on Monday evening, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde suggested that the unrest may be part of a larger conspiracy. Speaking to reporters, Shinde remarked, “It looks like a conspiracy,” as he described the events that unfolded.
The violence began during a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, leading to clashes between two communities in the Mahal area. Shinde reported that stones were thrown, causing injuries to four police officers and damaging several vehicles. He urged people not to incite violence, stating, “Aurangzeb should not be glorified.”
The unrest was ignited by a protest demanding the relocation of Aurangzeb’s tomb, which is located in Aurangabad, now known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Following the clashes, a curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil and several others. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
The police reported that nine individuals were injured during the violence and 15 arrests have been made in connection with the disturbances. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the situation is now under control.
Earlier, Shinde labelled those who continue to praise Aurangzeb as “traitors,” highlighting the Mughal emperor’s historical attempts to conquer the region and his alleged atrocities. In contrast, he praised Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a symbol of bravery and the embodiment of Hindutva values.
The unrest escalated when supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal gathered near a statue of Shivaji Maharaj to demand the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra. During the protest, participants raised slogans, burned a photograph of Aurangzeb, and set fire to a symbolic grave covered in green cloth. This act reportedly sparked tensions, as many believed sacred verses were inscribed on the cloth.
As a result, approximately 80 to 100 individuals from a specific community reacted violently, throwing stones at police and setting several vehicles ablaze. In response, law enforcement used mild force, including lathicharge and tear gas, to disperse the crowd.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, a three-time MP from Nagpur, called for calm and urged citizens not to believe any rumours regarding the situation. He assured the public that the government would take action against those who engaged in illegal activities. “The Chief Minister has been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours,” he stated.
In total, around 50 people have been detained in connection with the violence and a heavy police presence has been deployed to maintain order in the area. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the causes of the unrest and the claims of conspiracy surrounding the events.
