Nagpur Violence: Rioters Molested Woman Cop, Made Obscene Gestures, Reveals FIR

New Delhi: On March 17th, a violent mob allegedly molested a female police officer and made obscene gestures when the violence erupted in Nagpur's Chitnis Park in the Mahal area, according to an FIR filed in the case.

Fortunately, the female police officer managed to escape in time. As she escaped, the rioters turned to police vehicles parked in the area and vandalised them.

The situation escalated after stones were hurled at police amid rumours that the Quran was burnt during a demonstration by the Bajrang Dal demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

Also read | Nagpur Violence: From Weapons to Violent Provocation, 5 Findings That Hint at Conspiracy to Disrupt

The unrest intensified as the mob, estimated to be around 50 people, began chanting slogans and stone-pelting at the police, leading to injuries among at least 34 police personnel. Senior officers, along with riot control units and female officers, were deployed in large numbers to restore order, PTI reported.

Nagpur Violence: Weapons Used, Illegal Gathering, and More

• Use of Weapons:

As per the FIR, the violence in Nagpur appeared to be premeditated and organized, involving a wide range of weapons. The rioters, allegedly aiming to disrupt communal harmony and incite hatred between different religious groups, armed themselves with axes, sticks, stones, and other dangerous weapons, creating an atmosphere of fear and chaos.  

• Illegal Gathering

The FIR further states that a gathering of 50 to 60 individuals, reportedly led by Fahim Khan Shami Khan of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), unlawfully assembled outside the police station to protest against a rival group.  

• Assault on Police Officers

Despite repeated warnings to disperse, the violent crowd refused to back down and actively provoked unrest. The FIR highlights that police officers on duty were attacked with stones and sharp weapons. Additionally, petrol was allegedly used to intimidate law enforcement and escalate disorder.  

• Incitement to Violence

The complaint also reveals that the rioters not only engaged in physical destruction but also raised slogans instigating violence against Hindus. Misinformation was allegedly spread to turn the public against the police, further fueling tensions.  

Also read | Mhow Then, Nagpur Now: Who Is Provoking Communal Tension? | Debate With Arnab

• Widespread Vandalism

The unrest, which broke out on Monday evening, appeared to be a coordinated attack as the mob went on a rampage, destroying vehicles. They reportedly drained petrol from motorcycles and used it to set them on fire. Additionally, flaming jute bags were hurled toward residential areas, causing more damage. Several people, including police personnel, sustained injuries during the violent episode.  

What Happened in Nagpur?

Bajrang Dal members organised a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Footage from the protest quickly circulated on social media, further heightening tensions in the region.  

As emotions ran high, individuals associated with a pro-Aurangzeb faction allegedly began pelting stones in Chitnis Park and Mahal, injuring multiple people, including police personnel.  

To control the situation, law enforcement officers deployed tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. However, reports of violence later surfaced from Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, intensifying the unrest.  

Bajrang Dal leaders denied claims that the Quran had been desecrated, asserting that their protest was limited to the burning of an effigy of Aurangzeb and did not involve any religious texts. They emphasized that their demonstration was peaceful and not intended to incite violence.

Following this, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged for peace and warned that if anyone attempts to create tension, strict action would be taken against them.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident and working to identify those responsible for orchestrating the violence.