Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane blamed Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi for the unrest. He alleged that the violence was preplanned to defame the government. "Abu Azmi is responsible for this... He started this issue... This was a preplanned violence to defame the government...We will not spare those who raise their hands on our police personnel... strict action will be taken in this matter," he said.
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Violent clashes broke out in Chitnis Park in Nagpur around 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Stones were hurled at police after rumors spread about the burning of a holy book. Another violent incident occurred in the Hansapuri area near Old Bhandara Road between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Several vehicles were set on fire, and houses and a clinic were vandalized. Curfew has been imposed in several areas. Police have taken more than 50 people into custody and registered five FIRs.
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal said the violence began after a photograph was burned and shared on social media. "The incident that happened yesterday, it was between two groups. A photograph was burnt, then it was put on social media. A delegation had visited us and they wanted us to take action, FIR was registered, we were acting. But in the evening, the two groups came in front of each other, sloganeering happened, stones were pelted, police were there, there was action. Five cases have been registered, more than 50 persons were arrested. Action is going on. We want to appeal for peace, I want to urge people not to believe the rumours, and want to request them to report anything suspicious they encounter," he said.
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