Violent clashes broke out in Nagpur’s Mahal area on Monday night after a dispute between two groups. The violence led to vandalism, arson, and several vehicles being set on fire. Reports of stone pelting created panic among local residents. Videos from the scene showed burning vehicles and scattered debris.
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A protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb took place on Monday morning at Shivaji Statue Square in Nagpur. The protest was organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. Protestors demanded the immediate removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb by the government. During the protest, a effigy of Aurangzeb was burned, and posters were torn. The situation led to tension in the Mahal area throughout the day, with heavy police presence. Tension escalated in the evening when clashes broke out between two groups. Several police officers were injured during the clashes.
Police swiftly responded to contain the violence and restore order. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Archit Chandak confirmed that the violence was caused by a miscommunication. "This incident occurred due to some miscommunication. Situation is under control right now. Our force here is strong. I appeal to everyone to not step out...or pelt stones. Stone pelting was taking place, so we displayed a show of force and also used tear gas...A few vehicles were set ablaze, we doused off the fire by calling Fire Brigade...A few Police personnel were injured, I too sustained a little injury in my leg during stone pelting. But we urge everyone to maintain peace...Do not trust rumours...Do not disturb law and order & support Police. We are taking legal action, he said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged Nagpur residents to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration after stone pelting incidents in the Mahal area. He assured that the police are managing the situation and advised citizens not to believe in rumors.
"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. 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," the CMO said in a statement.