Nagpur Violence: Aurangzeb Tomb Row | What Sparked It

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Violence erupted in Nagpur following a dispute over Aurangzeb’s tomb.
• Protesters covered an effigy of Aurangzeb with a ‘chadar’ and set it on fire.
• Clashes between two communities ensued after rumors, resulting in vehicles being torched.
• Police fired tear gas and resorted to lathi charges.
• Section 144 has been imposed and over 60 rioters have been arrested.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Rumours of the desecration of a holy book during a demonstration in Nagpur by right-wing groups seeking the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb appear to have sparked the violence on Monday. The Nagpur violence saw several vehicles torched in large-scale arson and vandalism. Clashes broke out between two communities. Police responded by firing tear gas and resorting to lathi charges to bring the situation under control.

Stones were also thrown at the homes of residents in Chitnis Park and Mahal area. Nearly 30 police personnel have been injured in the violence. The administration has clamped prohibitory orders banning large gatherings. Police said over 60 rioters had been detained.

BJP MLA from Nagpur Central, Pravin Datke, claimed the violence was pre-planned and all CCTV cameras were damaged. The Nagpur violence has created a tense situation in the city.

“This entire thing was pre-planned. After an agitation on Monday morning, an incident took place at Ganesh Peth police station, then everything was normal. Later, the mob entered only Hindu houses and shops… First, all the cameras were broken, and then the violence was carried out with weapons in a pre-planned manner,” he said.

How the Violence Broke Out in Nagpur

Between 7-9 am, devotees organised a Shiv Jayanti program in front of the statue of Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mahal area.

Around noon, around 40-50 workers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal held a demonstration demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. During the protest, the demonstrators covered an effigy of the Mughal emperor with a ‘chadar’ and set it on fire.

After this, rumours of a holy book being desecrated started to spread. Several videos circulated on social media, PTI reported quoting officials.

Between 5 pm and 7 pm, several youths from the Muslim community started gathering in the area and shouted slogans. In a short span, thousands of youths came out on the streets and started pelting stones at the police.

Around 7.30 pm, the violence escalated rapidly. Cars and bikes were set on fire. Stones were thrown at several houses in the area. A crane was also set afire. The police initially resorted to baton charges, but when the situation escalated, they fired tear gas shells.

Initially, over 25 rioters were taken into custody. Around 5-6 civilians sustained injuries. This incident has caused a tense atmosphere in Nagpur.

The Maharashtra Police’s cyber wing has started an investigation into more than 100 social media accounts that allegedly fanned the flames. Authorities have appealed to the public not to heed to rumours in view of old videos being circulated online. Section 144 is in effect in Nagpur, to maintain law and order. Police officials state that strict action will be taken against all those found guilty.

• Cause of Violence: Demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb
• Initial Event: Shiv Jayanti at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue
• Protest: VHP and Bajrang Dal against Aurangzeb’s tomb
• Evening Activities: Gathering and shouting slogans by Muslim youths
• Police Response: Tear gas and lathi charges

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Violence erupted in Nagpur following a dispute over Aurangzeb’s tomb.
• Protesters covered Aurangzeb’s effigy with a ‘chadar’ and set it on fire.
• Clashes between communities resulted in vehicles being burned after rumours spread.
• Police used tear gas and lathi charges to control the situation.
• Section 144 is in place, and rioters have been arrested by authorities.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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