Nagpur violence: Fadnavis, Shinde call it conspiracy.
Nagpur Police on Tuesday reported that over 50 individuals have been detained in connection with the violence that erupted after clashes during protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Authorities stated that the unrest led to incidents of arson and stone-pelting, prompting a heavy police deployment. The City Commissioner of Police assured that the situation has been brought under control, with increased security measures in place to prevent further escalation. Political leaders have condemned the violence, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde calling it a “pre-planned conspiracy.” Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.
Nagpur Police on Tuesday reported that over 50 individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the violence that erupted on the night of March 17. The authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and monitoring social media activity to identify additional suspects linked to the unrest. The violence followed rumors that a holy book was burned during a protest led by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
City Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the situation in the affected areas had stabilized. “The situation is peaceful now. We have imposed a curfew in the jurisdiction of around 11 police stations.
Other than that, if individuals are seen in CCTV footage or social media posts engaging in violent acts such as damaging property and disturbing peace, we are identifying and apprehending them.”
The clashes have sparked a political storm, with opposition parties holding the government responsible for the breakdown of law and order. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal condemned the state home department, describing the violence as a failure of the administration. He alleged that certain ministers had been “deliberately making provocative speeches” in the days leading up to the unrest, which contributed to escalating tensions in the region.
The ruling coalition, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has dismissed these allegations, claiming that the violence was part of a “pre-planned conspiracy” to disrupt communal harmony. Addressing a press conference, CM Fadnavis said, “This was not a spontaneous clash but a calculated attempt to create unrest. We will ensure that those responsible face strict legal action.”
Meanwhile, police officials have heightened security measures across Nagpur, deploying additional forces in sensitive areas to prevent further flare-ups. Flag marches were conducted to reassure the public and maintain order. Senior officials have urged citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation and avoid any actions that could inflame tensions.
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the situation, with numerous videos and messages circulating online. The police have issued warnings against sharing unverified content and have announced strict action against those found guilty of inciting violence through digital platforms.
Local residents have expressed concerns over the incident, with many calling for immediate steps to restore trust between communities. Civic groups and religious leaders have come forward, urging restraint and emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace.
The violence in Nagpur follows a series of similar incidents in recent months, raising concerns about communal tensions in the state. Analysts suggest that politically charged rhetoric and inflammatory speeches have contributed to an increasingly volatile atmosphere. Many are now demanding that authorities take stronger measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, stating that those responsible for spreading false information or instigating violence should be prosecuted under stringent laws. “If individuals or groups are found to have deliberately incited violence or engaged in criminal activities, they must face legal consequences,” said senior advocate Shashank Deshmukh.
As investigations continue, police are urging citizens to come forward with any information that could help identify those involved in the violence. Anonymous tip lines have been set up to encourage people to share relevant details without fear of retaliation.
The state government has assured the public that it will take all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators to justice. The police are conducting a thorough investigation, and we will ensure that the guilty are punished,” CM Fadnavis reiterated in a late-night address.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde echoed similar sentiments, stating that the government is committed to maintaining law and order. Our focus is on restoring normalcy and ensuring that such incidents do not repeat,” he said.
In response to the situation, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is expected to hold a special session to discuss the recent violence and assess the state’s preparedness to handle such crises. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties are likely to debate measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, business owners and traders in the affected areas are assessing the damages caused by the unrest. Many shops and establishments remained closed for a second consecutive day as a precautionary measure. Local business associations have called for increased police presence to ensure their safety and facilitate the reopening of commercial activities.
As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to accountability and preventive measures. Whether the violence in Nagpur was indeed a pre-planned conspiracy or a result of administrative lapses remains a contentious issue. What remains clear, however, is the urgent need for proactive governance, responsible political discourse, and community-driven efforts to uphold peace in the region.