Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised strict action against those involved in the recent violence in Nagpur. He said that damages caused during the unrest would be recovered from the rioters.
"If they do not pay the money, then their property will be sold for recovery," Fadnavis said on Saturday after reviewing the incident with senior police officials. "In Maharashtra, we take action in our own way. Where a bulldozer is needed, it will be used. Any wrongdoing will be crushed and no one will be spared," he added.
The violence erupted after a replica of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb was burned. According to Fadnavis, an FIR had already been filed regarding the incident, but a rumor spread that a verse from the Quran was written on the replica. This led to a crowd gathering, which escalated into stone-pelting and arson. The violence followed protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Police took preventive measures and are identifying those responsible. Based on CCTV footage, 104 people have been arrested, and more arrests will follow, Fadnavis said. He added that individuals supporting the rioters would also face legal action. Authorities are cracking down on social media activities linked to the violence. Those spreading rumors online will be charged as co-accused, Fadnavis said. So far, police have identified and deleted 68 posts related to the incident.