Central Nagpur descended into chaos on Monday evening as violent clashes broke out following a protest by right-wing groups demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Khuldabad, about 250 kilometers away. The unrest was triggered by rumors that a holy book was burned during the demonstration, escalating tensions between rival groups in the Mahal area.

Police clashed with protesters in Chitnis Park and Mahal, firing tear gas and resorting to baton charges to disperse mobs after stone-pelting injured four people, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Archit Chandak, who was hit in the leg. Violence spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, with rioters torching multiple vehicles—two four-wheelers confirmed ablaze—and pelting stones at homes along the Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao stretch. Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal confirmed late Monday that the situation is now “peaceful,” with a strong police presence deployed and an investigation underway.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also the Home Minister, appealed for calm via video, stating, “I urge the people of Nagpur to maintain peace and not believe rumors. The administration is taking all necessary steps.” DCP Chandak echoed this, attributing the flare-up to “miscommunication” and promising legal action against perpetrators. Meanwhile, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called Nagpur “a peaceful city” on X, urging restraint.

The initial protest by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal intensified after evening confrontations, with unverified X posts claiming chants of “Labbaik Labbaik” and attacks on Hindu properties—though police have not confirmed these specifics. Congress’s Atul Londhe Patil and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Anand Dubey condemned the violence as a law-and-order failure, while the BJP countered that opposition stoked unrest. As Section 144 restrictions loom, Nagpur remains on edge, with authorities vowing to restore normalcy in this historically harmonious city.