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Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has urged citizens to maintain peace following violent clashes in Nagpur on Monday. The unrest, which was triggered by a protest demanding the removal of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, quickly escalated into stone pelting and the torching of several vehicles, including fire brigade trucks. Several firemen were reported injured in the violence that spread through the Mahal area in central Nagpur.
The protest, organized by the right-wing group Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), was sparked by ongoing tensions surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb, a controversial symbol in the region. The tomb, located in the area, has been the subject of heated debates, particularly in the wake of a statement made by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi.
Escalating Violence and Police Response
As the protests intensified, clashes broke out between the demonstrators and the police. Stone pelting from the crowd and the setting on fire of vehicles marked the chaos. In response, police forces employed cane charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while fire brigades quickly extinguished the flames. Four people were reported injured, including members of the police force, during the unrest.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Archit Chandak, confirmed that the police used tear gas and a show of force to regain control of the situation. He noted that while some vehicles were set on fire, the fire brigade managed to extinguish the flames promptly. Despite sustaining minor injuries during the stone pelting, Chandak emphasized the need for peace and called on the public to remain calm.
Leaders Appeal for Calm
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who represents Nagpur in Parliament, also intervened by releasing a video message urging citizens to remain calm. Gadkari attributed the violence to the spread of rumors and reassured the public that the government would take strong action against those responsible for any illegal activities.
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He also emphasized that rumors circulating in the city were exacerbating tensions and urged the public not to believe them. His appeal was echoed by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who called the situation “unfortunate” but stressed the importance of handling the matter through proper legal channels. Fadnavis remarked that decisions regarding the tomb would follow due legal processes, as the Archaeological Survey of India had previously assumed control of the tomb during the Congress-led government.
Background: The Controversy Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb
The unrest in Nagpur is part of a larger controversy surrounding the tomb of Aurangzeb, a 17th-century Mughal emperor whose legacy remains divisive in India. The issue gained prominence last month when Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi praised Aurangzeb for his administrative abilities, suggesting that the emperor had been unfairly portrayed in history. Azmi’s remarks coincided with the release of the film Chhaava, which depicted the torture of Maratha ruler Sambhaji Maharaj. This sparked a wave of backlash, particularly among right-wing groups who have long criticized Aurangzeb for his policies toward Hindus.
Azmi’s comments triggered protests, and police cases were filed against him. He was granted advance bail from a Mumbai court, but the controversy surrounding his statements only deepened the divisions between communities. The demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb was one of the key issues raised during the protests in Nagpur.
Political Reactions and Accusations of Inciting Division
The violence in Nagpur has also drawn political reactions. The Congress party has accused the ruling Maharashtra government of stoking communal divisions by allowing irresponsible statements from government ministers to escalate tensions. Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the state government for failing to control the situation, urging the removal of a cabinet minister whom he accused of inciting unrest with provocative comments.
While the Congress party has called for action against those fueling divisions, the state government, led by Chief Minister Fadnavis, has defended its handling of the situation. Fadnavis urged for peace and underlined the importance of following legal procedures when dealing with contentious issues like the removal of historical monuments.
Renewed Call for Peace in Nagpur
Despite the violence and tensions, the situation in Nagpur has since calmed down, with increased security in the area. Local leaders, including Fadnavis and Gadkari, have reiterated their calls for peace and urged the public to avoid further unrest. The government has vowed to take swift action against those responsible for the violence while also emphasizing that legal procedures will guide any decisions regarding the Aurangzeb tomb.
As the city recovers from the clashes, there remains a palpable sense of unease, with many concerned about the potential for further protests and violence in the coming days. For now, authorities are focusing on restoring order and ensuring that such incidents do not escalate further.
