NEW DELHI, Mar 17: Tensions escalated in Nagpur in Maharashtra on Monday following vandalism and arson after a dispute between two groups during a protest by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Eyewitnesses said several vehicles were torched and stones were pelted in Mahal area. Additionally, explosions were heard on vehicles that were torched. A Fire Brigade official said two JCBs were set on fire and one fireman was injured. “Two JCBs (were set ablaze) and a few more vehicles were also impacted. One fireman is injured,” he said.
As per the latest updates, four persons were injured after protesters clashed with the police, who responded by firing tear gas shells and cane-charging, officials said. Videos showed burning vehicles and scattered debris.
Police rushed to the spot to contain the violence and bring the situation under control. Additional personnel have been deployed to prevent further unrest. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Archit Chandak confirmed that the violence broke out from a miscommunication. “The situation is under control right now. Our force here is strong. I appeal to everyone not to step out or engage in stone pelting,” he said.
Several police personnel sustained injuries, including DCP Chandak, who was hit in the leg. “We called the Fire Brigade to douse the flames and took immediate action,” he added, urging people not to believe rumours and to cooperate with the police.
Officials said the Chitnish Park to Shukrawari Talao road belt was most affected by violence as per the preliminary information, where some four-wheelers were set afire by rioters. Stones were also thrown at the homes of residents.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ Office said the police were managing the situation following stone-throwing incidents. Fadnavis also appealed the citizens to not to believe in any rumours and cooperate with the administration in the situation.
“Police administration is handling the situation after stone pelting and tense situation in Mahal area of Nagpur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed that citizens should fully cooperate with the administration in this situation. We are constantly in touch with the police administration and citizens should cooperate with them,” the Maharashtra CMO said.
Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, also said he was in constant contact with the police and asked them to cooperate with the people. “Nagpur is a peaceful and co-operative city. This has been a permanent tradition of Nagpur. In such a case, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed not to believe any rumours and give full cooperation to the administration,” it added. Union Minister and Nagpur Lok Sabha MP Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace and calm in the region.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, however, slammed the Fadnavis government over the law and order situation in the state saying, “The Maharashtra state government is ruining the state for their political opportunism and leading it towards a violent implosion. This is being reported from Nagpur the constituency of the Home Minister and Chief Minister.”
A senior police official confirmed that security had been tightened in sensitive areas, with Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) being deployed. Additional police personnel from various stations were also summoned.
(Manas Dasgupta)
