Nagpur Unrest Erupts: Tensions Boil Over as Protesters Clash with Police Amid Aurangzeb Row, Fadnavis Reacts

Tension Grips Nagpur as Police Clash with Protesters Amid Aurangzeb Row

Nagpur, March 17, 2025 – A day of chaos and violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday as protesters clashed with police, leaving four individuals injured, following a demonstration by right-wing groups regarding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The conflict began in the late afternoon, with reports of stones being hurled at police personnel in the Chitnis Park and Mahal areas.

The trouble started when the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal organized a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, during which rumors spread that the Quran, the holy book of the Muslim community, was burned. This incident sparked outrage among Muslim residents, who took to the streets to protest. A complaint was lodged at the Ganeshpeth police station, alleging that the Quran was desecrated, further escalating tensions.

As a result, a large number of Muslim community members gathered in various parts of the city, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitnis Park. The police responded by increasing patrols and deploying additional security forces to maintain order. Stones were thrown at police personnel in Chitnis Park and Mahal, prompting the authorities to fire tear gas shells. The violence reportedly spread to other areas as well.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader, Asaduddin Owaisi, condemned the incident and urged the government to take immediate action against those responsible for the alleged desecration of the Quran. “The government must identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The actions of the Bajrang Dal are unacceptable, and we will not tolerate such violence,” Owaisi said.

Meanwhile, the Bajrang Dal office-bearers refuted the allegations, claiming that they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their demonstration. The police have deployed Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) to maintain law and order, and have tightened security in sensitive areas.

The Nagpur police have reported that the violence has left four people injured, with several vehicles set on fire and property damaged. The authorities are working to contain the situation and restore calm to the city. As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Nagpur are left reeling from the shocking events of the past 24 hours.

Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/india/tension-grip-nagpur-as-protesters-clash-with-police-amid-amid-aurangzeb-row-cm-fadnavis-calls-for-peace-7688607/
Category : India,Nagpur violence
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Publish Date: 2025-03-17 22:42:00