Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed for peace after violence erupted in Nagpur on Monday following a protest over the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. The protest, organized by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, took place at Shivaji Statue Square, where demonstrators demanded the immediate removal of the tomb.
During the protest, an effigy of Aurangzeb was burned and posters were torn. The situation led to heightened tensions in the Mahal area throughout the day, with a heavy police presence. Violence broke out in the evening when clashes occurred between two groups. Several police officers were injured during the altercations.
Police responded swiftly to contain the violence and restore order. Police conducted a combing operation in the Mahal area, and Section 144 was imposed to prevent further unrest. Authorities have asked residents not to step out unnecessarily and have urged them to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
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Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal said the situation is now under control. "A photo was burned, and people gathered to make their request. We took action, and an FIR has been lodged based on the names mentioned," Singal said. "Two vehicles were torched, and stone pelting occurred. We are taking action against those involved."
The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued a statement, assuring that the police are handling the situation. "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.