Unrest in Nagpur: What Sparked The Violence?

Violence erupted in central Nagpur today, near RSS' headquarter, after Bajrang Dal conducted a peaceful protest against Aurangzeb’s tomb. According to local reports, the situation escalated after false rumors spread that a copy of the Quran was burnt during the agitation. In reality, images of Aurangzeb were burned. Members of the pro-Aurgangzeb group attacked the police with stones and burnt vehicles. Section 144 has now been imposed. 

How It Started

Members of the Bajrang Dal were staging a peaceful demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area, calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Videos from the demonstration quickly went viral.

It isn't exactly clear why, but after that, members of the Muslim community began gathering in large numbers in various parts of the city, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitnis Park. The growing crowds led to heightened tensions, prompting the police to step in.

Violence Breaks Out

As emotions ran high, people belonging to the pro-Aurangzeb group resorted to stone pelting in Chitnis Park and Mahal, injuring at least two people, including police personnel. In response, police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Reports of violence soon emerged from Kotwali and Ganeshpeth as well.

Police intensified patrolling, and additional security forces, including Riot Control Police, Quick Response Teams (QRT), and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), were deployed in sensitive areas to restore order.

Bajrang Dal Responds

Dismissing the allegations, Bajrang Dal leaders refuted claims that the Quran was desecrated. They clarified that their protest involved the burning of an effigy of Aurangzeb, not any religious text. The group clarified that their demonstration was peaceful and had no intent to incite violence. Aurangzeb is notorious for his persecution of Hindus. As of now, it isn't exactly clear from where the rumor of Quran being burnt, emerged.  

Leaders Urge Calm

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called for restraint and urged citizens not to believe in rumors. In a statement, his office assured that the police were handling the situation, saying:

"Police administration is handling the situation after stone pelting and tense situation in 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. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed not to believe any rumors and give full cooperation to the administration."

Union Cabinet Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace, stating that Nagpur has a long history of communal harmony. He urged people not to take to the streets and assured that the government would act against those responsible for spreading misinformation.

"Due to certain rumors, 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 rumors 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. I assure you all that the government will take action against those who have committed mistakes or engaged in illegal activities."

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal has said that "The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned following which people gathered, they made a request and we even took action in this respect. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR has been lodged based on the names they mentioned and action will be taken against them...This (today's violence) incident occurred around 8-8.30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched. We are taking an assessment of the same. Two vehicles have been torched and stone pelting had occurred...Police is undertaking combing action and those involved are being identified and arrested...We have imposed Sec 144 and everyone has been told to not step out unnecessarily or take law in their hands. Do not believe rumours. Except this area, the entire city is peaceful..."
 

What Happens Next?

With the police maintaining a heavy presence in affected areas, the situation remains tense. Authorities have urged people to avoid spreading unverified information on social media, as rumors played a significant role in escalating Monday’s unrest.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that peace prevails in Nagpur and that those responsible for inciting violence by spreading rumors are held accountable.