Aurangzeb tomb tension: Arson, stone-pelting in Nagpur, 50 arrested

NAGPUR: Violent clashes broke out in central Nagpur late Monday after protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad spiralled into chaos, leaving dozens wounded and causing widespread destruction.

At least 10 anti-riot commandos, two senior police officers, and two firemen suffered serious wounds in the unrest, while a constable remains in critical condition in hospital. Mobs torched two bulldozers and 40 vehicles, including police vans, as security forces struggled to contain the violence. Police launched a large-scale crackdown, arresting 50 rioters, while the MHA sought a report on the unrest - just two weeks before PM Modi's expected visit to Nagpur. The violence erupted following rumours that protesters from a particular community had burned effigies of Aurangzeb & a religious chadar near Shivaji Putla Square at Mahal Gate - barely 2km from the RSS headquarters.

Fadnavis, Gadkari urge Nagpur residents not to believe rumours

Reports of violence triggered a swift response from another community, with large crowds gathering to demand action against those responsible. The protests escalated into stone-throwing, arson and clashes with police. Officials said misinformation spread via social media played a major role in fuelling the violence.

Security forces used riot-control vehicles, including water cannons and tear gas units, to disperse mobs. DCPs Archit Chandak and Niketan Kadam were wounded while attempting to control the crowds. Firefighters were also caught in the crossfire as they tried to extinguish burning vehicles. Several neighbourhoods remained tense as sporadic violence continued.

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Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal deployed more than 1,000 officers and imposed prohibitory orders in Mahal, Chitnis Park Chowk and Bhaldarpura, restricting movement in the most sensitive areas. Key roads were sealed off. Reinforcements and intelligence teams worked to prevent further escalation. However, sporadic stone-throwing continued into the night.

Police deployed surveillance teams with CCTV-equipped vehicles and public address systems to monitor the situation and issue warnings. Authorities also activated local peace committees, urging community leaders to intervene and defuse tensions.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari appealed for calm. "Nagpur has always been a peaceful city where people coexist in harmony. I urge citizens not to believe rumours and cooperate with law enforcement," Fadnavis said. Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekar Bawankule visited the affected areas.

Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke alleged that "outsiders" were brought in to incite violence. "We have instructed police to identify and take strict action against those responsible," he said in Mumbai. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, where Aurangzeb's tomb is located, VHP and Bajrang Dal staged protests. Protesters warned of the tomb's demolition if govt failed to act.

VHP hinted at escalating their agitation across Marathwada and other districts if demands are not met.