Amid the tensions in Maharashtra's Nagpur, a curfew as been imposed in 11 regions. This curfew comes a day after violence and clashes broke out in the city over the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
With Section 144 imposed in the area, the immediate cause of the violence has been attributed to rumours that the Quran had been burnt during a protest by right-wing groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhaji Nagar.
Right-wing groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have called for the dismantling of the Mughal king's tomb.
While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged for calm, he stated that the release of the movie 'Chhaava' starring Vicky Kaushal, reignited the anger amongst the people.
Nagpur Violence | Latest Updates
As per an ANI report, a curfew has been imposed in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
Around five FIRs have been filed in relation to the violence in Nagpur. As per ANI, at least 51 individuals, including minors, have been named in the police reports. The accused are primarily from Nagpur city, residing in areas such as Jafar Nagar, Tajbagh, Mominpura, and Bhalaadapura, the report added.
Opposition MPs have demanded action against VHP and Bajrang Dal members for the violence and protests in Nagpur. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav stated action will be taken against those who "incited riots."
In one of the FIR's filed, it was revealed rioters inappropriately touched an on-duty woman police office of the RCP squad. The FIR states that the accused inappropriately touched the uniform and body of the officer and also made lewd and obscene gestures towards other female police personnel.
“Whether someone was conspiring this and how many people were involved in it is being investigated. We have registered a case and are arresting people. Our action to establish peace is continuing. Social media is being monitored, and we are developing the information we are getting. Whether someone was conspiring this and how many people were involved in it is being investigated," said Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal regarding the investigation into the riots.
