Nagpur violence: The issue of removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb has taken a violent turn in Nagpur district of Maharashtra. Late night on Monday (17th March), Islamist mobs resorted to stone pelting and arson as they indulged in a violent clash with Hindu outfits – VHP and Bajrang Dal. The Hindu outfits were staging a peaceful protest to demand removal of the tomb of Islamic tyrant, Aurangzeb, who committed Hindu genocide during his reign.
During the pandemonium, the Islamist mob torched several vehicles, reportedly attacking Police with stones and sharp objects in Nagpur’s Mahal area. Incidentally, the Islamist violence took place very close to the RSS headquarters in the city which reportedly has had zero cases of Islamist mob violence in almost a century of the RSS’s existence.
However, the recent Islamist flare up is being seen as a challenge by the Aurangzeb sympathisers to the Maharashtra government. Incidentally, CM Devendra Fadnavis had earlier dropped hints to crush those who will sympathise with the Mughal tyrant on the land of Maratha warriors and visionary rulers – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
As per reports, the Islamist violence unfolded in Nagpur hours after Hindu outfits led a protest in the city regarding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar.
As per India Today report, around 20 people including 15 police personnel have suffered injuries, whereas the frenzied mob torched at least 25 bikes and three cars. So far, 17 people have been detained and Section 144 have been imposed in the city to restore law and order.
The Maharashtra CMO assured that the police were managing the situation following stone-pelting incidents and Islamist flare-ups in Nagpur’s Mahal area.
The statement read, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens to fully cooperate with the administration.”
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal stated that the situation in the city is currently peaceful.
According to him, the unrest began after a photo was burned, leading to people gathering and raising concerns. The violence occurred around 8 to 8:30 p.m.
Dr Singal added that the police are conducting combing operations to identify and arrest those involved.
We have imposed Section 144 and everyone has been told to not step out unnecessarily or take the law in their hands. Do not believe rumours,” he said.
To restore law and order, the Nagpur rural police have been called in, while the cyber police are working to curb the spread of rumours.
Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari has urged the residents to remain calm.
Also Read: Bajrang Dal, VHP Threaten ‘Karseva’ Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb
He said, “Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur.”
Gadkari also assured that the government would take action against those responsible for any wrongdoing.
He added, “The Chief Minister has already been informed about the situation, so I request everyone to ignore rumours.”
According to eyewitnesses, tensions escalated quickly, with mobs damaging public property damaged and setting vehicles on fire.