Violence broke out in Maharashtra’s Nagpur on Monday night over rumours that a holy book had been burned during a protest by a right-wing body over the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
According to PTI, stones were hurled at the security personnel in Central Nagpur. Violence also spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth in the late afternoon, officials said.
The police fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas. They have imposed Section 144.
The alleged incident took place in the afternoon when members of the Bajrang Dal staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area, calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, PTI reported.
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Videos of the Bajrang Dal demonstration quickly went viral on social media.
A complaint was later lodged at the Ganeshpeth police station in the evening over the alleged burning of the holy book.
Following the complaint, a large number of Muslim community members started gathering in various parts of the city, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitanvis Park, police said.
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In response, police used tear gas to control the situation.
Bajrang Dal issued clarification
Bajrang Dal office-bearers, however, denied the allegations, saying they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their demonstration.
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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.
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, Union Minister Gadkari appeal for peace
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday night called for peace and asked people not to believe rumours.
“The Police are managing the situation following stone pelting and tense situations in the Mahal area,” the chief minister said in a statement.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace and harmony.
“Nagpur always has a history of peace. I appeal to all my brothers to maintain peace. Do not believe rumours and do not come on roads,” the minister said in a video message.
With inputs from PTI
