Nagpur Violence: How Did the Unrest Begin, and What Led to the Clashes?
Riots in Nagpur: Understanding the Cause and Impact
On the night of Monday, March 17, 2025, violence erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, following a protest led by right-wing groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. The demonstration was organized to demand the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar.
According to PTI, unrest broke out after rumors spread that religious scriptures were burned during the protest, escalating tensions between communities. The violence quickly spread to multiple areas, including Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in the most affected regions.
How Did the Violence Begin?
Reports indicate that clashes first erupted around 7:30 PM in the Mahal area, particularly in Chitnis Park. Protesters allegedly pelted stones at the police, injuring six civilians and three officers. Soon after, unrest spread to Ganeshpeth, where large-scale rioting took place.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that nearly 1,000 individuals were involved in acts of arson, vandalism, and stone-pelting, leading to extensive damage to vehicles and buildings. The violence peaked between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, forcing security forces to intervene.
In Hansapuri, unidentified individuals vandalized shops, torched vehicles, and threw stones at bystanders, further aggravating tensions. By late night, more incidents were reported near Bhandara Road, where several vehicles, homes, and clinics were set ablaze between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM.
The Role of Rumors in Fueling Violence
Authorities have stated that the violence was triggered by false claims that a holy book was set on fire during the protest. This rumor led to anger within the Muslim community, resulting in retaliatory clashes. By evening, an official complaint about the alleged burning of religious scriptures was lodged at the Ganeshpeth police station.
Police and Government Response
To bring the situation under control, the Nagpur Police Commissioner imposed Section 144 in sensitive areas, restricting gatherings and enforcing a curfew. The police have detained at least 15 individuals in connection with the violence and have increased security deployment across the city.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged citizens to maintain peace and avoid spreading misinformation. He assured the public that the situation is now stable and that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring developments.
Current Status
As of now, the situation remains tense but under control. Authorities continue to investigate the root causes of the violence while urging residents to remain calm and refrain from believing or spreading rumors.
