Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, March 18, spoke in the state legislative Assembly on Nagpur violence where more than 50 were arrested and several police personnel were injured after two group clashes in the Mahal area of the city after Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Banjrangdal protest over Aurangzeb tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
While speaking at the Maharashtra Assembly, CM Fadnavis said that the Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava movie seems to have sparked anger among people in Nagpur, which led to riots.
"This violent incident and riots seem to be pre-planned. Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against the Mughal EmperorAurangzeb, still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful."
Also Read | Nagpur Violence: 47 Detained, Four FIRs Registered for Rioting, Vandalism and Arson; 15 Cops Injured.
According to the ABP news, more than 50 rioters have been taken into custody so far, and five FIRs were registered for burning structures, vandalising vehicles and arson, said Ravinder Singal, Nagpur police commissioner.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis referred to the rumours that were spread of burning the holy book of the Quran. "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt....It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands."
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde earlier said: "Those who support Aurangzeb should read history and watch the movie 'Chhava'."
The clashes broke out after pro-Hindutva group VHP and Bajrangdal protested earlier on Monday against Aurangzeb's tomb in demand for the razed grave of the Mughal Emperor. During the agitation, an effigy of Aurangzeb was burned, and several hated slogans were raised in the presence of police.
At around 7.30 pm on Monday, more than 100 people of a community covered the street in Nagpur's Mahal area to protest against the agitation of VHP and Bajrangdal in which stone pelting was reported from both sides and several vehicles, including some shops, were burnt.