Aurangzeb’s Tomb Now A No Drone Zone!
Aurangzeb’s Tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Declared ‘No Drone’ Zone Amid Tensions
As demands to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad escalate, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district administration has designated the Mughal emperor’s grave a “no drone” zone, an official announced Wednesday. Located 25 km from the district headquarters, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected site has become a flashpoint following statewide protests, including a violent clash in Nagpur on Monday.
The “no drone” order aims to curb aerial surveillance and potential provocations amid rising emotions, fueled by the film Chhaava and calls from right-wing groups like Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal to erase Aurangzeb’s legacy. District Collector Dilip Swami, after inspecting the site Tuesday, urged calm: “Don’t believe rumors—report concerns to authorities.” To bolster security, a State Reserve Police Force company and 50 additional personnel have been deployed in Khultabad.
Simultaneously, police are cracking down on social media, with Cyber Inspector Shivcharan Pandhare revealing that 506 “objectionable” posts have been removed across platforms. A dedicated 10-member team monitors hashtags like #Alamgir and #Aurangzeb, which are trending amid the controversy. “We’ve warned over 80 individuals to stop posting incendiary content,” Pandhare told PTI, adding that offenses will now be registered against violators. The purge follows Monday’s Nagpur violence, where stone-pelting erupted over rumors of a desecrated religious text during a tomb-removal protest.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed the demolition calls but noted ASI jurisdiction limits state action, while opposition figures like Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut argue the tomb symbolizes Aurangzeb’s defeat. With over 50 arrests in Nagpur and a curfew in place, the administration’s measures reflect a tense balancing act. As emotions simmer—amplified by historical wounds and cinematic portrayals—the “no drone” zone and online clampdown signal heightened vigilance in a polarized state.
