Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labeled the violence that erupted in Nagpur on Monday as a “premeditated conspiracy,” asserting that mobs deliberately targeted specific houses and establishments.

Addressing the state legislative assembly, Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home portfolio, revealed that 33 police personnel, including three deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), were injured—one DCP attacked with an axe—during clashes that followed a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

“The mob targeted specific houses and establishments. It appears to be a premeditated conspiracy,” Fadnavis said, vowing that “those who attacked police personnel will not be spared.” The unrest, which began after a Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad demonstration in central Nagpur’s Mahal area, escalated with rumors of a holy book burning, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism across Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Hansapuri. Curfew now blankets multiple city zones.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde echoed Fadnavis, alleging a plot to single out a specific community. With over 50 detained and five FIRs filed, the leaders’ statements point to a coordinated assault, though investigations continue to pinpoint organizers and motives behind the chaos that shattered Nagpur’s calm.