Nagpur was left reeling after a night of violence that erupted in the central part of the city, leading to injuries among civilians and law enforcement. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state assembly, calling the incident a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at disrupting communal harmony.
According to Fadnavis, the violence was not spontaneous but orchestrated, with mobs allegedly targeting specific houses and businesses. The unrest led to injuries among 33 police personnel, including three deputy commissioners, with one officer being attacked with an axe. Civilians also suffered injuries, with one person in critical condition. The presence of weapons and stockpiles of stones, reportedly brought in advance, indicated a premeditated effort to create chaos.
As a precautionary measure, authorities imposed a curfew in multiple areas of Nagpur, attempting to restore peace following the clashes. The violence reportedly stemmed from protests over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, an issue that has sparked tensions in the past. Fadnavis linked the public outrage to the recently released movie Chhaava, which portrays the struggle of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj against Aurangzeb. He urged people to maintain peace and warned that the government would take strict action against anyone disrupting law and order, regardless of their religious background.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed these concerns, suggesting that the violence may have been aimed at targeting a specific community. He condemned the attack on police personnel and emphasized that external elements might have played a role in escalating the situation. Shinde called for restraint, urging people not to let tensions between communities spiral further.
As Nagpur remains under curfew, authorities are investigating the origins of the violence, with a firm commitment to holding those responsible accountable. The government has assured citizens that law enforcement will act decisively to prevent further unrest, ensuring that Maharashtra remains a place of peace and
unity.
