One Year Of Mahal Riots: City Police Bolster Community Ties

Nagpur: A year after the violence in parts of Mahal, Nagpur police have shifted their focus to rebuilding trust between communities through regular interaction and targeted outreach programmes. The effort is aimed at improving coordination, strengthening communication, preventing future unrest, and preserving peace.The violence broke out after protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Tensions escalated rapidly as rumours spread on social media, including false claims that a holy cloth had been burnt. Rioters hurled stones, set vehicles on fire, and damaged shops. More than 30 police personnel, including four deputy commissioners of police and one assistant commissioner, were injured while trying to control the situation. Over 100 people were arrested. Police later confirmed that no holy material had been damaged. The violence remained confined to a few areas, including Chitnis Park, Bhaldarpura, and nearby localities. Commissioner of police Ravinder Singal said the incident should not be seen as a citywide riot. He said no senior leaders from any community were involved and that some young people had been misled and had reacted impulsively.Singal described the violence as an avoidable flare-up made worse by provocative rallies organised by certain groups. The Yashodharanagar slums emerged as the main base of the rioters and are now being treated by police and intelligence agencies as a sensitive area requiring close monitoring.Many CCTV cameras installed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation were not functioning at the time, making it difficult for police to gather evidence and build strong cases. Most of those arrested were released within three months because of insufficient proof. Even now, around 1,000 CCTV cameras remain non-functional.Fahim Khan, identified by police as one of the main accused, is also out on bail. NMC demolished part of his house terming it encroachment. The high court noted that due procedure was not followed before the action. Khan's wife was elected corporator from Yashodhara Nagar in the civic election held earlier this year. The March 17 violence highlighted major gaps in the early detection of rumours, rapid community outreach, and public trust. The police also adopted a more preventive and community-oriented approach.WHat happened That Day