The March 17 violence in Nagpur has claimed its first victim, with 38-year-old Irfan Ansari passing away on Saturday from injuries sustained during an attack by a mob. Ansari succumbed to his wounds five days after the assault, which occurred amidst unrest sparked by rumors of a desecrated holy book during a demonstration by VHP and Bajrang Dal members.
Ansari’s brother, Imran Ansari, recounted that Irfan had been on his way to board a train to Itarsi when he was attacked by a mob while walking towards the railway station after an auto-rickshaw driver dropped him off due to violence in the area. Despite briefly regaining consciousness, Irfan later succumbed to his severe head injuries.
In the wake of the incident, police have arrested several individuals, including Mohammad Hamid Engineer, founder of the Minorities Democratic Party, and Fahim Khan, a key figure associated with the party, whom authorities allege played a significant role in inciting the violence. As investigations continue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the damages caused during the riots will be recovered from the rioters, with the possibility of seizing their properties if restitution is not made. Fadnavis also clarified that reports of a female constable being molested during the riots were false, stating that she had only been attacked with stones. So far, 92 individuals, including 12 juveniles, have been arrested in connection with the violence.