Civic authorities in Nagpur demolished illegal sections of a house owned by Fahim Khan, a key accused in the city’s recent communal violence, on Monday. Khan, a leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP) and currently in jail, faces sedition charges for his alleged role in the unrest that erupted on March 17.

The demolition follows his failure to remove unauthorized structures despite a prior notice from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).

The house, located in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, and registered under Khan’s wife’s name, was targeted after the NMC identified violations, including the lack of approved building plans. The action marks a significant step in the Maharashtra government’s response to the violence, which saw stone-pelting and arson across multiple areas, injuring 33 police personnel, including three senior officers.

The clashes were sparked by rumors of a ‘chadar’ with religious inscriptions being burnt during Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pledged to recover damages from rioters, with property seizures looming for non-compliance. “Those who attacked the police will face stern action,” he stated, hinting at a broader crackdown.

Khan’s arrest and the demolition underscore the state’s intent to clamp down on those inciting unrest, with investigations also probing a possible “Malegaon connection” to the riots. As bulldozers razed the illegal portions, security forces maintained a tight cordon to ensure order.