Tensions gripped central Nagpur on Monday after reports emerged that stones were hurled at police officers during protests by a right-wing organization. The protest, initially focused on demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, rapidly escalated due to rumors suggesting the Quran had been burned during the demonstration. The violence resulted in four injuries and prompted the police to deploy tear gas shells and use a cane charge to disperse the growing mob in the Chitnis Park and Mahal areas.

Protests and Unrest Spread Across Nagpur

The unrest began in the afternoon when members of the Bajrang Dal, a right-wing group, staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. The protest, initially aimed at calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, soon spiraled into chaos after rumors began circulating that the Quran had been burned during the demonstration. These rumors ignited outrage within the Muslim community, and social media videos further fueled the fire, intensifying the situation.

A complaint alleging the burning of the Quran was filed at the Ganeshpeth police station, which only added to the growing tensions. Subsequently, large gatherings of Muslim community members emerged in the Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitnis Park areas. As the situation escalated, the police increased patrols and deployed additional forces to maintain law and order.

The violence spread quickly, and by late afternoon, the disturbances reached Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, with the Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao road belt becoming the epicenter of the unrest. Reports suggested that rioters set fire to several vehicles, including JCBs, and threw stones at residents' homes. Witnesses claim thousands of people were involved in the rioting, further heightening tensions.

Police and Fire Brigade Response

As violence erupted, the police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the unruly mob. Several reports of stones being thrown at the police and violence from both sides surfaced. The situation was aggravated by the setting ablaze of several vehicles, including two JCBs, and damage to others. A fireman was reported injured during the fire-fighting efforts, highlighting the severity of the unrest.

The Nagpur Police have since issued prohibitory orders in the city to prevent further violence. Over 20 individuals have been detained, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and video clips to identify those responsible for the chaos. An FIR is in progress as the police continue their investigation.

Nagpur’s Commissioner of Police, Ravindra Singhal, confirmed that the violence stemmed from the clash between two groups, but reassured the public that the situation had been brought under control. Singhal stated that authorities were assessing the damage caused by the rioters, particularly to vehicles, and investigating whether the mob's actions were part of a larger conspiracy.

Political Leaders Call for Peace and Order

The escalating violence in Nagpur drew responses from various political leaders, urging the public to maintain peace. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence, calling the actions of the rioters “highly condemnable.” Fadnavis reiterated the importance of maintaining law and order and emphasized that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in the unrest. He also urged the public not to fall prey to rumors and to cooperate with the police.

Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari also appealed for calm, urging people not to believe in rumors and to avoid participating in the unrest. Gadkari called for cooperation with law enforcement and reminded people of Nagpur’s long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence. He reassured citizens that the government would take necessary actions against wrongdoers.

Nagpur Central BJP MLA Pravin Datke alleged that the violence was orchestrated by "outsiders" who planned and executed the disturbances. He claimed that the situation had been exacerbated by external forces and that the state’s leaders, including Fadnavis, were closely monitoring the developments. Datke also stated that heavy police deployment was in place to maintain peace and that those responsible would face consequences.

Political Parties React to the Situation

The violence and subsequent unrest drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders, particularly Congress. Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal expressed concern over the situation, calling the violence in Nagpur “extremely unfortunate.” He urged residents not to trust the rumors circulating in the city and called for the restoration of peace.

Sapkal also criticized the state government, specifically Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, for not having adequate intelligence to prevent the violence. He blamed the ruling party for creating an atmosphere of social unrest through provocative statements made by certain ministers. Sapkal pointed out that Nagpur, a city known for its religious harmony, had never witnessed such incidents before, calling the events an unfortunate political diversion.

Congress leader Pawan Khera echoed these sentiments, highlighting Nagpur’s 300-year history without riots and questioning the failure of the state government in preventing the unrest. Khera stressed the importance of maintaining peace and not allowing political agendas to fuel division in society.

In response, Maharashtra Minister and State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged everyone to prioritize restoring peace in society and refraining from spreading rumors. He called for a unified effort to understand the underlying causes of the unrest and appealed to the public to support the police administration in maintaining order.

Bawankule further emphasized that politicians should avoid politicizing the situation and instead focus on restoring normalcy in the city. He urged political leaders to collaborate in ensuring peace and stability in Nagpur.

Tightened Security and Ongoing Investigation

The situation in Nagpur remains tense, but significant steps have been taken to restore order. The police have deployed Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) to sensitive areas. Additional police personnel have been called in to maintain law and order, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Nagpur's residents have been urged to stay calm and not participate in protests or spread unverified information. Police officials are committed to identifying those responsible for the violence, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities are also looking into the role of outside elements in the unrest and whether there was any coordination behind the violence.

The violence in Nagpur on March 18, 2025, serves as a reminder of how quickly tensions can escalate when misinformation and rumors spread. The police and political leaders are working together to restore peace and bring those responsible to justice. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain calm, avoid spreading rumors, and support efforts to maintain the law and order that Nagpur is known for.

While the situation remains tense, the city's history of peace and cooperation among its diverse communities remains a strong foundation for overcoming these challenges.