Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske has alleged that the recent violence in Nagpur was part of a “preplanned conspiracy” by the Opposition.
His remarks came following the unrest that broke out in Hansapuri on the night of 17 March after a group demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave.
Speaking outside Parliament, Mhaske expressed his suspicion over how Opposition leaders had been predicting riots for several days before the incident. He questioned their apparent foresight and called for an investigation into their role in the violence.
“The Opposition leaders in Maharashtra had been saying for the last three to four days that there would be riots. How did they know about it in advance? This should be looked into… This appears to be a conspiracy by the Opposition,” he told media agency.
Condemning the violence, Mhaske claimed that the mob deliberately targeted a particular community by identifying surnames before attacking homes. He also alleged that the rioters attacked police officers with axes, further evidence that the violence was premeditated.
“The incident in Nagpur is highly condemnable. A group of people threw stones at houses belonging to a specific community and even attacked police personnel with axes. This was a preplanned riot,” Mhaske stated.
He further said that some suspects had already been detained, with local residents alleging that many of the attackers were outsiders. “The police have arrested a few individuals. Local people say that the mob came from outside, checked surnames, and then attacked houses. Strict action should be taken against those responsible,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule also alleged that the violence was part of a conspiracy. He stated that Nagpur had always been a peaceful city where people from different religions coexisted harmoniously.
Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, speaking as part of the Opposition alliance in Parliament, criticised the focus on historical events rather than addressing present-day issues.
“If we keep searching for our heroes and villains in the stale pages of history, we will lose sight of today’s challenges. What do we gain by disrupting peace in the country?” Jha said.
In response to the escalating tensions, authorities imposed a curfew in several areas of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
According to an official notification issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
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