Nagpur violence: Locals recount attack on their houses and vehicles

NEW DELHI: Several houses, vehicles, and a clinic were vandalised in Nagpur following rumours that a holy book was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.

The violence broke out Monday evening, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders in several areas. Police confirmed that the situation is now under control.

According to officials, unrest began in central Nagpur around 7.30 pm when a mob hurled stones at police amid rumours of the alleged book burning. Six people, including three policemen, were injured.

A second clash erupted between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm in the Hansapuri area near Old Bhandara Road, where mobs burnt vehicles and vandalised houses and a clinic. Eyewitnesses reported that several four-wheelers were set on fire in the Chitnis Park-Shukrawari Talao belt.

Some residents in the Old Hislop College area claimed a mob entered their locality around 7.30 pm, throwing stones at homes and torching cars.

"Four cars were vandalised, one was completely burnt. They also damaged water coolers and broke windows before fleeing," a local said.

In Hansapuri, Sharad Gupta (50) said his four two-wheelers were set ablaze, and he was injured in the attack.

"The mob also vandalised my neighbour’s shop. Police arrived an hour later," he said, demanding immediate action.

Another resident, Vansh Kawle, said rioters broke CCTV cameras before attempting to enter homes. A tea stall owner near a clinic reported that the mob ransacked the medical facility, damaging tables and medicines.

Following overnight combing operations, police arrested 15 people in Mahal area.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged citizens to maintain peace and harmony in the wake of the violence.

Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is expected to visit the violence-hit Mahal area later today.