Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has described the recent violence in Nagpur as a "well-planned attack" and blamed the unrest on false rumours.
Speaking in the legislative assembly, he said that misinformation was spread claiming that religious items were burned during protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in the state's winter capital.
Fadnavis strongly condemned the attacks on police personnel, stating that such actions would not be tolerated. He revealed that three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) were injured in the violence, with one even being attacked with an axe.
In total, 33 policemen and five civilians were injured, though most have been discharged from hospital except for one who remains in the ICU. He further informed that prohibitory orders have been issued in 11 police stations, and five separate FIRs have been registered.
The chief minister stressed that the police had discovered a significant stockpile of stones at the violence-hit locations and that specific houses and institutions were targeted. He assured strict action against those responsible, warning that no one who disrupted law and order would be spared.
Addressing the growing tensions, Fadnavis linked the unrest to anger fuelled by the recent Marathi film Chhava, which portrays the historical conflict with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
He urged people to maintain peace and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone who instigates riots, regardless of their caste or religion. He also noted that police were already addressing complaints from a Muslim delegation.
The Nagpur violence sparked a heated exchange in the Maharashtra assembly, with ruling Mahayuti coalition MLAs and opposition leaders trading accusations.
While Shiv Sena members called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, the opposition criticised the government, claiming its failure had led to the riots. Some Mahayuti legislators, in turn, accused certain groups of glorifying the Mughal emperor.
BJP MLA Pravin Datke visited the violence-affected Hansapuri area and alleged that the unrest was pre-planned. He pointed out that only Hindu-owned shops were damaged while Muslim-owned establishments remained untouched, suggesting a deliberate strategy behind the attacks.
He also questioned the police’s response, expressing disappointment that they did not stand firmly with Hindu citizens and hinting at the involvement of outsiders in the mob violence.
In response to the escalating situation, Nagpur police have imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The order, issued by Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, restricts movement in multiple areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar, until further notice.
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