Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Sunday stirred controversy by alleging that individuals with ties to Bangladesh were behind the violent unrest that rocked Nagpur earlier this week. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Nirupam described the incident as a “pre-meditated” act and hinted at a larger conspiracy, raising questions about foreign involvement in the Maharashtra city’s turmoil.

The violence broke out in Nagpur on March 17, triggered by rumors that a ‘chadar’ bearing religious inscriptions was desecrated during protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The VHP had been demanding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a call that fueled tensions. The clashes saw widespread stone-pelting and arson, injuring 33 police personnel, including three senior officers of Deputy Commissioner rank.

Nirupam pointed to what he called a “Bangladesh link,” claiming that “miscreants” involved in the violence had connections across the border. He further alleged that one arrested suspect was using social media to fund “Mujahideen activities,” though he provided no specific evidence to support this claim. “The trail of this unrest leads to Bangladesh,” he insisted.

Taking aim at the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, Nirupam accused the party of aligning with those he labeled as instigators. “Is Sena (UBT) siding with the Mujahideen? Are the Thackerays and Sanjay Raut backing them?” he questioned sharply, warning that such a stance would not be tolerated in Maharashtra. He went further, accusing the party of adopting an “anti-Hindu” position, predicting that “a photo of Aurangzeb might soon hang beside Balasaheb Thackeray and Shivaji Maharaj at Matoshree.”

Nirupam urged stringent action against those involved in such incidents, declaring, “No one in Maharashtra should dare repeat this.” Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking on Saturday, cautioned against premature conclusions about a foreign link, noting that the investigation was ongoing. He confirmed that 104 suspects had been identified via CCTV and video evidence, with action taken against 92, including 12 minors, as per legal provisions.