A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted in the city on Monday. The unrest stemmed from unverified reports that a holy book had been desecrated during a demonstration demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad. The situation quickly escalated, leading to injuries, property damage, and a heavy police crackdown to restore order.
According to official reports, nearly twenty individuals sustained injuries in the violence, including police personnel who were attempting to control the agitated crowds. In addition to physical injuries, the city witnessed acts of arson, with several two-wheelers being set ablaze by the rioters, further intensifying the chaos.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal enforced strict measures by invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which grants authorities the power to issue immediate orders in situations where public safety is threatened or where there is a perceived danger of escalating violence. The curfew, imposed late on Monday night, is expected to remain in effect until further notice, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
The curfew restrictions apply to several key areas within Nagpur, specifically the localities under the jurisdiction of multiple police stations. These include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpavli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police stations. Under the imposed curfew, movement is heavily restricted, with residents prohibited from stepping out of their homes unless it is an emergency, particularly medical-related emergencies. Additionally, gatherings of more than five people are strictly forbidden, and stringent action will be taken against individuals caught spreading rumors that could incite further unrest. The police have warned that violators will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to disobedience of a lawful order issued by a public servant.
The violent disturbances erupted on Monday afternoon near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Nagpur, where over 200 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal had gathered to protest against the presence of Aurangzeb’s tomb. During the demonstration, protesters reportedly burned an effigy of the Mughal ruler as a symbolic act of defiance. However, the protest took a volatile turn when rumors began circulating—primarily through social media—that a sacred religious book had been desecrated in the midst of the demonstration. These claims, although unverified, triggered outrage among certain groups, leading to violent confrontations.
As the misinformation spread rapidly online, a group of 80 to 100 individuals unlawfully assembled in response to the alleged desecration. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as these individuals engaged in stone pelting, targeting both civilians and law enforcement officers attempting to control the situation. Reports indicate that multiple police personnel were injured in the attack.
In response to the escalating violence, law enforcement authorities took decisive action by deploying additional forces to the affected areas. The police resorted to firing tear gas shells and conducting lathi charges to disperse the angry mobs. The most intense clashes were reported in Chitnis Park and Mahal, but tensions also spilled over into other areas, including Kotwali and Ganeshpeth.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the state’s Home Minister, issued a public appeal urging citizens to maintain peace and refrain from engaging in unlawful activities. Additionally, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari joined the appeal, emphasizing the importance of communal harmony and cautioning against the spread of misinformation that could further inflame tensions.
The curfew order does, however, make specific exemptions to ensure that essential services remain operational. Personnel from law enforcement agencies, government departments, emergency medical services, fire brigade units, and other critical service providers are permitted to carry out their duties without restriction. Furthermore, students scheduled to appear for examinations have been granted exemptions to ensure their academic pursuits are not hindered by the ongoing unrest.
Authorities have assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary steps are being taken to restore normalcy at the earliest. Senior police officials continue to patrol the affected areas, and stringent security measures have been put in place to prevent further escalation of violence. The police have also urged residents to remain indoors, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and stability return to Nagpur as soon as possible.
