Mon Mar 17 17:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Nagpur Erupts in Violence After Aurangzeb Tomb Protest

**Nagpur, Maharashtra –** At least 25 police and fire brigade personnel were injured in widespread violence that erupted in Nagpur on Monday evening, following protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. The clashes, which involved arson, vandalism, and stone-pelting between two communities, occurred near the RSS headquarters, causing significant panic among residents.

The unrest began after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, along with other Hindu groups, held a demonstration near a Shivaji Maharaj statue, burning an effigy of Aurangzeb and calling for the tomb’s removal. This was followed by rumors that Hindu activists had burned a cloth bearing an Islamic prayer, sparking retaliatory protests from the Muslim community.

The violence quickly escalated, with vehicles set ablaze and property damaged. Police responded with a lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowds in areas including Chitnis Park and Mahal. Section 144 has been imposed in the affected area, and 30 arrests have been made.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal stated that the situation is under control, but combing operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved. He appealed for calm, urging citizens to avoid further unrest and not take the law into their hands.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hails from Nagpur, also appealed for peace and cooperation with authorities. He reiterated his earlier statement that while Aurangzeb’s tomb, a protected site, would be protected, its glorification would not be tolerated. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and other officials echoed these calls for calm.

The incident has sparked political controversy, with the opposition Congress criticizing the state government for its handling of the situation and alleging that irresponsible statements by ministers incited the violence. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Pravin Datke claimed the violence was orchestrated by outsiders.

The protests in Nagpur followed similar demonstrations in Pune, where right-wing groups submitted a memorandum to Fadnavis demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the BJP’s stance, calling it a distraction from real issues and a threat to Maratha history. The incident highlights growing religious tensions in the state.

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