Nagpur Violence Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb: Curfew Imposed
Nagpur Violence Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb: Curfew Imposed After Riots and Arson
Image: ANI
On Monday, March 17, a dispute over Aurangzeb’s tomb in Nagpur, Maharashtra, escalated into violent clashes, stone-pelting, and arson. The incident occurred in the Mahal area, where tensions between two groups led to attacks on vehicles and the police. To control the situation, police used tear gas and lathi charge. At least 11 people, including police officers, were injured. Due to the violence, a curfew has been imposed in several parts of Nagpur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged people to maintain peace and ignore rumors.
How the Controversy Started: Demand to Remove Aurangzeb’s Tomb
The dispute began when Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists burned an effigy of Aurangzeb in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue at Mahal Gandhi Gate. These groups demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Khuldabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), arguing that he was a “tyrant ruler” and should not be glorified.
Initially, the protest remained under control, but by evening (around 7:00–7:30 PM), tensions escalated near Shivaji Chowk when another group started protesting against the demonstration. In response, the Hindu groups also began chanting slogans.
The situation worsened due to a rumor that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists had burned a holy Islamic prayer cloth and a religious book during their protest. This rumor triggered mass outrage, leading to violence.
Violence and Arson: How the Situation Escalated
As the rumor spread, riots erupted from Chitnis Park to Bhaldarpura. Protesters threw large stones at the police, set vehicles on fire, and damaged properties. Several JCB machines and other vehicles were torched. Some attackers even threw stones from rooftops, surprising the police with their size and quantity.
Police Action & Curfew Imposed
To disperse the violent mob, police used tear gas and batons. By nightfall, the violence had spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, forcing the authorities to impose Section 144 in the area. Firefighters and additional police forces were deployed to control the flames and restore order.
Root Cause: The Role of Rumors
Police sources indicate that the violence stemmed from misunderstandings and rumors. Some people claimed that the effigy burned by Hindu activists had a green cloth with religious inscriptions, fueling anger among the Muslim community. This led to mass protests and demands for an FIR against Bajrang Dal. However, Bajrang Dal denied these allegations, stating they only burned Aurangzeb’s effigy, not any sacred object.
Meanwhile, VHP Maharashtra-Goa head Govind Shende made a controversial statement:
“We took an oath to demolish the Babri structure, and we fulfilled it. Now, we have vowed to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb, and we will accomplish that too.”
This statement is expected to further fuel tensions.
Current Situation in Nagpur: Curfew Declared
As of 6:30 AM today, the situation in Nagpur is under control but remains tense. Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal has imposed a curfew in multiple police station areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar. This curfew will remain in effect until further notice.
A heavy police force, including State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), riot control units, and Quick Response Teams (QRT), has been deployed in sensitive areas. Around 50 people have been detained, and police are investigating the conspiracy behind the violence.
Political Reactions
The controversy has now taken a political turn:
- BJP MLA Praveen Datke claimed that the violence was pre-planned and involved “outsiders.”
- Opposition parties blamed the BJP’s “divisive politics” for the unrest.
- Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi’s recent praise for Aurangzeb has also fueled tensions. Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly’s budget session, further intensifying the issue.
What’s Next?
The dispute over Aurangzeb’s tomb is far from over. Security has already been tightened at Khuldabad, where the tomb is located. However, the Nagpur violence has turned this into a statewide issue. Authorities have vowed strict action against rioters, but tensions may continue to rise in the coming days.
