VHP, Bajrang Dal protests spark Nagpur mayhem.
Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur following protests by VHP and Bajrang Dal over Aurangzeb’s tomb, leaving 38 people injured, including 33 police personnel. The unrest led authorities to impose a curfew in several areas to restore order. Law enforcement officials have lodged five FIRs and taken 50 suspects into custody for their alleged involvement in the violence. The situation remains tense, with heightened security and ongoing investigations. Officials are urging residents to maintain peace as efforts continue to bring stability to the affected areas. The government has assured strict action against those responsible for inciting the violence and disturbing law and order.
Nagpur Violence: VHP, Bajrang Dal Protests Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb Lead to Mayhem
Protests Turn Violent in Nagpur
The 17th-century Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. Similar protests took place across Maharashtra in major cities and towns. However, in Nagpur, the protest soon spiraled into violence, leading to widespread clashes and injuries.
Triggering Incident: Burning of Chadar
While the demonstration initially remained peaceful, the situation escalated when agitators burnt a ‘chadar’ (holy cloth) with inscriptions from the Quran. This act deeply offended the Muslim community, leading to a swift and intense reaction. The ‘chadar’ burning soon snowballed into violent clashes across multiple areas, including Ganeshpeth, Bhagalpur, and Hansapuri.
Casualties and Injuries
The violence left a total of 38 people injured, including 33 police personnel and five civilians. One civilian was critically injured and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Maharashtra Police officers, deployed to control the situation, were among those hurt as the violence intensified.
Police and Government Response
- FIRs Lodged: Maharashtra Police registered five FIRs against individuals involved in inciting violence.
- Detentions: 50 suspects have been rounded up in connection with the violence.
- Curfew Imposed: To prevent further escalation, authorities imposed curfews in several sensitive areas.
- Increased Security: Additional police personnel and rapid action forces were deployed to maintain order.
VHP Denies Chadar Burning, But Police Confirm Incident
While the VHP has denied responsibility for burning the chadar, Maharashtra Police confirmed the act after analyzing video footage. Law enforcement agencies have assured a thorough investigation into the incident to identify those responsible for escalating tensions.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiments
The incident has sparked strong reactions from political leaders, religious groups, and civil society.
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Revanth Reddy condemned the violence and assured strict action against those involved in disrupting communal harmony.
- Opposition leaders accused the ruling party of failing to prevent such incidents and demanded accountability from law enforcement agencies.
- Community leaders from both Hindu and Muslim factions have urged for calm and emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue over violent confrontations.
Nagpur Residents in Fear Amid Escalating Tensions
The unrest has instilled fear among Nagpur residents, with many choosing to stay indoors due to safety concerns. Shops and businesses remained closed in affected areas, and educational institutions suspended operations for the day. Many people took to social media to express their distress, calling for peace and an end to communal violence.
Historical Context: The Controversy Around Aurangzeb’s Legacy
Aurangzeb’s legacy has long been a topic of controversy in India. His policies and actions have been debated among historians, with some viewing him as a ruler who expanded the Mughal empire, while others see him as a tyrant responsible for religious oppression. Calls for the demolition of his tomb have gained traction among right-wing groups who claim it symbolizes past injustices. The protests across Maharashtra reflect these sentiments, but the violence in Nagpur has taken the movement to a dangerous level.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are currently monitoring the situation closely. Legal action is expected against those responsible for instigating the violence, and further arrests may follow based on ongoing investigations. The Maharashtra government is also considering forming a special task force to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the meantime, community leaders and activists are urging citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation and maintain peace in the region. Nagpur, known for its communal harmony, is now grappling with the aftermath of a night of mayhem. The hope remains that swift action and dialogue will help restore normalcy in the city.
Conclusion
The protests that began as a demand for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb have turned into an unfortunate episode of communal violence. The events in Nagpur highlight the fragile nature of religious sentiments and the importance of maintaining peace and order. As authorities work to bring perpetrators to justice, the focus now shifts to restoring calm and preventing further escalation of communal tensions.