Nagpur Violence: 25 Cops Injured as Protest Over Aurangzeb Tomb Turns Ugly, Several Vehicles Set On Fire

Nagpur: Tensions escalated in Nagpur’s Mahal area on Monday as violence erupted amid the ongoing Aurangzeb tomb row, leaving several policemen injured. A mob went on a rampage, setting multiple vehicles, including JCB machines, on fire, while also resorting to heavy stone pelting. Officials confirmed that at least 25 policemen sustained injuries as the clashes intensified.  

The violence reportedly extended to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth later. According to officials, stones were hurled at police personnel in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas, forcing them to the use of tear gas shells to disperse the mob and bring the situation under control.

With tensions running high, police increased patrolling, and Quick Response Teams (QRT) along with riot control units were deployed to maintain order. Officials, meanwhile have urged citizens to refrain from believing in rumours and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent further escalation.  

A senior police official confirmed that security measures had been intensified in high-risk zones, deploying Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). 

Additional police forces from multiple stations were also brought in to maintain stability.

Nagpur Unrest: Several Vehicles Set Ablaze 

Several vehicles were set ablaze as violence gripped Nagpur’s Mahal area. Videos accessed by Republic captured scenes of chaos, showing vehicles engulfed in flames and debris strewn across the streets. The visuals highlighted the intensity of the unrest. A JCB machine set ablaze during violence in Mahal area."Two JCBs (were set ablaze) and a few more vehicles were also impacted. One fireman is injured...", said a Fire Brigade official.    

Nagpur Clashes: What Led to The Violence?

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Archit Chandak stated that the violence erupted due to a miscommunication.

"The situation is under control right now. Our force here is strong. I appeal to everyone not to step out or engage in stone pelting," he said.

Multiple police personnel suffered injuries, including DCP Chandak, who was struck in the leg. "We called the Fire Brigade to douse the flames and took immediate action," he added, urging the public to refrain from believing rumours and to cooperate with law enforcement. 

Maharashtra CMO Urges Public Cooperation

Amid the ongoing unrest, the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has assured that the police administration is actively handling the situation following incidents of stone pelting and rising tensions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and refrain from believing in rumours.

In an official statement, the Maharashtra CMO said, "Police administration is handling the situation after stone pelting and tense situation in the Mahal area of Nagpur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed that citizens should fully cooperate with the administration in this situation. We are constantly in touch with the police administration, and citizens should cooperate with them."

Highlighting Nagpur’s legacy of peace and harmony, the statement further added, "Nagpur is a peaceful and cooperative city. This has been a permanent tradition of Nagpur. In such a case, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed not to believe any rumours and give full cooperation to the administration."

‘Do Not Fall Prey to Rumours’

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has appealed for peace, urging citizens not to fall prey to rumours. Addressing the situation, he emphasized the city’s long-standing tradition of maintaining communal harmony and called for restraint.

"Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. The city's history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any kind of rumours and to maintain peace. Do not come out onto the streets. Cooperate with the law and order system. Preserve the tradition of peace and harmony that Nagpur is known for," Gadkari stated.

Assuring the public of strict government action against those responsible for inciting violence, he added, “The Chief Minister has already been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours. Please cooperate with the police administration, foster love, and maintain a positive atmosphere in the city. This is my humble request to all of you.”