Following violent clashes in Nagpur on March 17 over the burning of a replica of Aurangzeb's grave and subsequent rumours of Quran desecration, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that rioters would be held accountable for all damages. Addressing the press, Fadnavis stated that damages would be recovered from the rioters, potentially through property seizure and sales, and the use of bulldozers if necessary. He confirmed 104 arrests based on CCTV footage and warned that rumour-mongers on social media would be charged as co-accused, with 68 posts already removed.
Fadnavis reviewed the incident with police, noting the initial FIR for burning the replica and the subsequent unrest fueled by rumours. Earlier, he held a review meeting at the Nagpur Police Headquarters. Hamid Engineer, of the Minorities Democratic Party, was arrested in connection with the violence.
DCP Lohit Matani confirmed Engineer's arrest. The March 17 clashes involved stone-pelting and arson, triggered by demands to remove Aurangzeb's grave. While a curfew was lifted and normalcy restored, the court ordered a medical examination for prime accused Fahim Khan following allegations of police mistreatment.
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal reported 99 arrests and assured an unbiased investigation. Meanwhile, Congress formed a committee led by Manikrao Thakare to investigate the violence and meet with affected residents. Thakare criticized the BJP for negligence, claiming the incident stemmed from government inaction and delayed police response, disrupting Nagpur's peaceful reputation.
Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam condemned the violence as a serious matter, promising strict action against those who assaulted police officers. (With Inputs from ANI)