The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is poised to take action today by demolishing unauthorized sections of a residence belonging to Fahim Khan, a central figure in the recent outbreak of violence in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Khan, a leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), faces sedition charges and is among over 100 individuals arrested following the clashes on March 17.
The house in question, situated in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, is registered under Khan’s wife’s name. Sources indicate that the NMC had previously issued a notice to Khan, highlighting multiple violations, including the absence of approved building plans.
With Khan failing to rectify the illegal construction, authorities are now stepping in to dismantle the unauthorized portions.
The unrest in Nagpur erupted last week after rumors circulated that a ‘chadar’ bearing religious inscriptions was desecrated during protests spearheaded by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), who were demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The situation quickly escalated, leading to widespread stone-pelting and arson across the city. The violence left 33 police officers injured, including three senior officials of Deputy Commissioner rank.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Ministry, has vowed a tough stance against those responsible. Speaking on Saturday, he announced that the government would recover the cost of damages from the rioters, with non-compliance resulting in the seizure and auctioning of their properties. “We will not relent until every individual who attacked the police is held accountable,” Fadnavis asserted.
The CM also warned that those who spread provocative content online or elsewhere would be treated as co-accused for fueling the unrest. While addressing potential external influences, Fadnavis noted that it was premature to confirm any foreign or Bangladeshi involvement, though he pointed to a possible “Malegaon connection.”
He hinted at the role of an unnamed political figure from Malegaon—widely understood to be Khan—who allegedly supported the rioters.
Khan, the MDP city chief, remains in custody as investigations continue into the broader network behind the violence.