Violence erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on the night of March 17, quickly spreading to areas such as Kotwali and Ganeshpeth. In response to the escalating unrest, authorities imposed curfews in the most affected parts of the city. Many are now questioning how the situation spiraled into chaos. They are also questioning where the dispute first began. Additionally, there are inquiries about whether false information played a role in igniting tensions.
The unrest started during a demonstration organized by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. These groups were protesting, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Amidst the demonstration, rumors began circulating that sacred religious texts had been burned. This unverified information heightened emotions and led to conflict.
The first signs of violence appeared in the Chitnis Park area around 7:30 p.m., where stone-pelting incidents left six civilians and three police officers injured. The disturbances then spread to other parts of the city, including Kotwali and Ganeshpeth. The violence intensified later in the evening. A large group of approximately a thousand people participated in rioting, vandalism, and arson. This led to extensive damage to homes, shops, and vehicles.
According to statements from the Nagpur Police Commissioner, the situation reached its most intense point between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m., prompting police intervention. The unrest later extended to Nagpur’s Hanspuri area, where unidentified individuals damaged shops and set vehicles ablaze.
Additional violence occurred between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. near Old Bhandara Road, where several vehicles, homes, and even a clinic were vandalized and torched.
Police sources confirmed that the conflict had its roots in the afternoon protests held near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue. Rumors about the alleged desecration of holy texts spread quickly. This sparked outrage among the Muslim community. Community members filed formal complaints at the Ganeshpeth police station.
Leaders respond to the situation
In response to the unrest, AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned the violence. He accused certain BJP leaders of stirring hatred. This was said to divert attention from more pressing issues. He also called for a thorough investigation.
Conversely, BJP MP Anil Bonde blamed organized crime elements. He accused the Opposition’s Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of fueling tensions. Bonde pointed to NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad’s reported praise of Aurangzeb as a trigger.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari appealed for peace and urged citizens to remain calm. Tensions had been mounting earlier as right-wing groups threatened to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb. A group from Uttar Pradesh even announced a ₹21 lakh reward for its destruction. This led to heightened security measures in Khultabad.
To prevent further violence, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal announced restrictions. These restrictions will remain in place until calm is fully restored.
