Nagpur Top Cop Explains How Rumour of Photo Burning Brought Two Communities Face-to-Face

Nagpur: Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal has confirmed that Monday’s violent clashes in the Mahal area were triggered by a mere rumour of a photograph being burned, which escalated tensions between two communities. Speaking on the unrest, CP Singal assured that the situation is now peaceful and under control, with miscreants being identified and taken into custody.

"A photo was burned, following which people gathered and raised concerns. They made a request, and we took immediate action. Some of them even came to my office, where they were informed that an FIR had been registered based on the names they provided, and strict action would be taken," CP Singal stated.

The violence erupted around 8-8:30 PM when tensions flared, leading to stone pelting and arson. CP Singal confirmed that "not many vehicles have been torched," with the assessment so far revealing that two vehicles were set ablaze.

Authorities have imposed Section 144 in the area to prevent further unrest, urging people not to step out unnecessarily or take the law into their own hands. Police have also launched combing operations to identify and arrest those involved in the violence.

"The city remains peaceful except for this area. Do not believe in rumours. Police are verifying the root cause, and those responsible will face legal consequences," CP Singal added.

He also refuted reports of petrol bombs being used, clarifying that the miscreants picked up bricks from a nearby construction site for stone pelting. The Nagpur Police Commissioner reassured citizens that law enforcement is actively working to maintain peace, and action will be taken against anyone attempting to spread false information and disrupt communal harmony.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Archit Chandak also confirmed that the violence broke out from 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.

Nagpur Violence | What Exactly Happened

Members of the Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Videos from the protest quickly went viral, intensifying tensions in the region.

As emotions escalated, individuals from a pro-Aurangzeb group allegedly resorted to stone pelting in Chitnis Park and Mahal, resulting in injuries to several people, including police personnel.

In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Reports of violence later emerged from Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, further escalating the situation.

Bajrang Dal leaders dismissed allegations that the Quran had been desecrated, firmly stating that their protest involved only the burning of an effigy of Aurangzeb, not any religious text. They reiterated that their demonstration was peaceful and not intended to provoke violence.

Fadnavis, Gadkari Urge Peace

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned that if someone would attempt to create tension, strict action would be taken against them.

“The manner in which the situation became tense in Mahal area of Nagpur is highly condemnable. A few people pelted stones, even at the Police. This is wrong. I am keeping an eye on the situation. I have told the Police Commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary to maintain law and order. If someone riots or pelts stones at Police or creates tensions in society, strict action should be taken against all such people. I appeal to everyone to behave to ensure that the peace of Nagpur is not disturbed. If someone attempts to create tension, very strict action will be taken against them."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace. “Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur," he said.

“I assure you all that the government will take action against those who have committed mistakes or engaged in illegal activities. The Chief Minister has already been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours," he added.

According to officials, the stretch from Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao was the worst affected by the violence, based on preliminary reports. Rioters set several four-wheelers on fire, while stones were also hurled at residential homes, further escalating tensions in the area.