Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a stern warning on Saturday, stating that the “bulldozer will roll if necessary” to deal with those responsible for the recent violence in Nagpur.

Addressing the media, Fadnavis emphasized that the state government would recover the cost of damaged property from rioters, with their assets seized and sold if they fail to pay. When asked if Maharashtra would adopt the “Uttar Pradesh style” of bulldozer action, he asserted, “The Maharashtra government has its own style of working… bulldozer will roll when necessary. Wherever wrong things are happening, they will be crushed. Nobody will be spared.”

The violence erupted on March 17, sparked by rumors that a ‘chadar’ with religious inscriptions was burnt during Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The clashes saw widespread stone-pelting and arson, injuring 33 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners of Police. Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Ministry, vowed relentless action: “My government will not rest until those responsible for attacking the police are found and dealt with sternly.”

Fadnavis revealed that 104 individuals have been identified via CCTV and video analysis, with action taken against 92, including 12 minors. He dismissed claims of an intelligence failure but admitted that intelligence gathering could improve. Meanwhile, 68 inflammatory social media posts have been deleted, with those spreading them to be charged as co-accused. The CM ruled out a political motive, calling such speculation “foolish,” and noted a possible Malegaon link, though a foreign angle remains unconfirmed.

With the situation stabilizing—80% of Nagpur unaffected—curfew relaxation is underway, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s March 30 visit remains on track. Compensation for victims will soon begin, as Fadnavis reaffirms his commitment to justice and order.