Wed Mar 19 01:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Nagpur Rocked by Communal Violence; 65 Arrested, Curfew Imposed

**Nagpur, Maharashtra –** The city of Nagpur, known for its relative peace, witnessed widespread communal violence on Monday, resulting in the arrest of 65 rioters and the imposition of a curfew across 11 police stations. The unrest, which began with a protest by Hindu groups demanding the removal of a Mughal emperor’s tomb, escalated into violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups, leaving several police officers injured and property damaged.

The violence erupted after around 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest near a Shivaji Maharaj statue, setting a symbolic grave alight. Later in the evening, rumors sparked further clashes in different areas, including Mahal and Hansapuri. These clashes involved extensive stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism, with mobs targeting homes, vehicles, and even a medical clinic.

A Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Niketan Kadam, sustained severe injuries, including 26 stitches to his hand, after being attacked with an axe. Several other police officers were also hurt in the violence. Eyewitnesses reported masked assailants using weapons and sticks, deliberately damaging CCTV cameras to hinder investigations.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, spoke with the injured DCP. He and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule visited those injured in the hospitals. Local BJP MLA Pravin Datke criticized the police for an alleged intelligence failure, suggesting the attacks were pre-planned.

Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal imposed a curfew under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to restore order. He led a route march through the affected areas to deter further violence. While no fresh incidents were reported on Tuesday, the situation remains tense. Schools and colleges in central Nagpur remained closed. Investigations are underway, with accusations of instigation being levelled against a local mosque leader. The arrests and the curfew remain in effect.

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