Aurangzeb Row: Curfew Lifted In Many Parts of Nagpur

Nagpur: Curfew was lifted in Nagpur's Pachpavali, Shantinagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, and Imamwada areas while it has been relaxed in Kotwali, Tehsil and Ganeshpeth between 7 pm and 10 pm, days after violence broke out in the city over Aurangzeb row. Curfew in Yashodharanagar police limits will also remain in place as it was before until further orders, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal said.

So far, a total of 112 people including leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP) and six others, have been arrested in connection with the violence in the city earlier this week, a police official said.

When did Nagpur violence break out? 

Large-scale stone pelting was witnessed in Nagpur city on March 17 after violence erupted following rumours that a ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions had been burned during a protest in the city.

However, relevant authorities confirmed that these were unfounded rumours, and no ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions was burned.

In the violent clashes, more than 30 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners of Police, were injured, along with several civilians. Rioters also damaged both public and private property, including four-wheelers and two-wheelers.

CM Fadnavis says rumours reason behind Nagpur violence   

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a review meeting earlier on Saturday at the Nagpur Police Headquarters regarding the recent clashes in the city. Addressing the press, CM Fadnavis explained that the violence was triggered by rumours suggesting that a ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions had been burned.

"I chaired a high-level meeting regarding the violence, which was also attended by State Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. I reviewed every detail and shared my thoughts... On the day of the incident, the tomb of Aurangzeb was burned. Following this, a case was registered with the police. However, certain individuals spread rumors through podcasts and social media posts that a holy 'chadar' had been burned, leading to rioters pelting stones, torching vehicles, and attacking shops in Nagpur," the Chief Minister said.

CM Fadnavis also commended the police for their swift response in bringing the situation under control.

In a statement, the Chief Minister added that despite the intensity of the violence, the police managed to contain the situation within 4 to 4.5 hours. He praised their efforts but noted that many police personnel, including three DCP-level officers, were injured during the incident.