#JUSTIN: Central Nagpur Engulfed in Violence! 9 Injured, 15 Arrested in Violent Clashes

Central Nagpur was engulfed in violence on Monday evening as police clashed with protesters following rumours that the Holy Book of Muslims was burned during a right-wing agitation demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

The unrest, erupting around 4 PM IST in the Mahal area—home to the RSS headquarters—left six civilians and three policemen injured, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam, who was seriously hurt during a combing operation. By 11:33 PM IST, police had arrested 15 individuals amid ongoing efforts to restore order.

The chaos began after Bajrang Dal members protested near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, burning an effigy of Aurangzeb. Rumours soon spread, amplified by viral social media videos, alleging the desecration of the Muslim holy book.

Outraged, large crowds from the Muslim community gathered in Mahal, Kotwali, and Ganeshpeth, clashing with police who deployed tear gas and baton charges to disperse mobs. The Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao stretch bore the brunt, with rioters torching four-wheelers—including two JCBs—and pelting stones at homes, shattering the city’s calm.

Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal reported at 10:33 PM IST, “A photograph was set on fire, which instigated people. A case was registered, and an investigation is underway. The situation is now peaceful.” DCP Archit Chandak, injured in the leg by stones, said “This incident occurred due to miscommunication. Our force is strong, and we’ve controlled it.” Security was bolstered with Quick Response Teams, Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force, while combing operations netted the arrests.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also the Home Minister, urged calm in a 10:12 PM IST video, saying, “Police are managing the situation. I’m in constant contact with them—don’t believe rumours.” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Nagpur’s MP, reinforced this at 10:14 PM IST, stating, “Nagpur has a history of peace. Cooperate with the administration.” However, opposition leaders pounced. Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal called it a “failure of the home department,” alleging ministers’ provocative speeches fueled the fire, while Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Aaditya Thackeray decried an “unprecedented breakdown” of law and order.

The violence, sparked by a Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal rally, saw Bajrang Dal leaders deny burning the Quran, insisting only an effigy was torched. A complaint at Ganeshpeth police station over the alleged desecration remains under probe. As Section 144 looms and 15 detained face charges, Nagpur—a city long known for harmony—grapples with a tense aftermath, testing its leaders’ resolve to heal communal rifts.