Tension gripped central Nagpur on evening of March 17 when stones were hurled at police amid rumours that Quran, the holy book of the Muslim community, was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, leaving four persons injured, officials said to PTI.
Police fired tear gas and used baton charges to disperse crowds in the Chitnis Park and Mahal areas. The violence reportedly spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth later in the afternoon, according to officials.
Initial reports indicate that the Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao road area was the hardest hit, with rioters setting fire to several four-wheelers and throwing stones at residential homes.
Police are trying to disperse mobs believed to be in thousands, PTI reported. The trouble began late afternoon shortly after Bajrang Dal members demonstrated near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal area.
According to police, rumours spread that the Quran was burnt during the agitation. Videos of the Bajrang Dal demonstration quickly went viral on social media, leading to outrage among members of the Muslim community.
A complaint was lodged at Ganeshpeth police station in the evening alleging the burning of the holy book. Following the complaint, a large number of Muslim community members started gathering in various parts of the city, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitanvis Park, police said.
Sensing trouble, police intensified patrolling and summoned additional security forces to maintain law and order. An official said to PTI that stones were thrown at police personnel in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas, following which police fired tear gas shells. An official said there are reports of violence in other areas as well. Bajrang Dal office-bearers, however, refuted the allegations and claimed that they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their demonstration.
A senior police official confirmed that security had been tightened in sensitive areas, with Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) being deployed. Additional police personnel from various stations were also summoned.
Demonstration To Remove Aurangzeb라이브 바카라 Tomb
Earlier in the day, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration in Nagpur, demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Activists of the right-wing organisations gathered at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mahal area, raised slogans and burnt an effigy of Aurangzeb.
Talking to reporters, the VHP's regional secretary (Maharashtra and Goa), Govind Shende, said the outfit has started its agitation against Aurangzeb and his tomb in Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Maharashtra CM, Union Minister Gadkari Appeal For Peace
Amid violence in Nagpur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday night called for peace and asked people not to believe rumours.
His appeal comes amid violence that gripped several areas in central Nagpur in the evening amid rumours that the holy book of the Muslim community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb.
"Police are managing the situation following stone pelting and tense situation in the Mahal area," the chief minister said in a statement.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace and harmony amid violence in parts of Nagpur city.
"Nagpur always has a history of peace. I appeal to all my brothers to maintain peace. Do not believe rumours and do not come on roads," the Union minister said in a video message.
With inputs from PTI.
