Violence Erupts in Nagpur Over Aurangzeb Tomb Controversy; Curfew Imposed

NAGPUR ( Maharashtra )– The city of Nagpur, known for its historical peace and communal harmony, was rocked by violence on the night of March 17, 2025, as tensions flared over a protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra.

What began as a demonstration by right-wing groups escalated into widespread unrest, resulting in arson, vandalism, and injuries, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in multiple areas.

The unrest reportedly started in the Mahal area when members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near a statue of Shivaji Maharaj to protest the presence of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad).

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The situation took a volatile turn after rumors spread that a holy book of the Muslim community had been burned during the agitation. By evening, clashes broke out between communities, with mobs pelting stones, torching vehicles, and vandalizing homes and shops in areas like Hansapuri, Chitnis Park, and Kotwali.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal confirmed that over 50 individuals have been detained in connection with the violence. “The situation is peaceful now. We have imposed a curfew under the jurisdiction of 11 police stations, and it is under control,” Singal told reporters on Tuesday.

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He added that authorities are using CCTV footage and social media posts to identify additional perpetrators involved in damaging property and disturbing peace. At least 12 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners, were injured, with one officer reportedly attacked with an axe.

The rioters vandalized around 25-30 vehicles.” Reports also indicate that rioters deliberately destroyed CCTV cameras to evade identification, spreading panic across neighborhoods like Geetanjali and Hansapuri.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence, calling it a “pre-planned conspiracy” and linking heightened emotions to the recent release of the film Chhava, which depicts Aurangzeb’s atrocities against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. “This incident seems premeditated. Specific houses and establishments were targeted,” Fadnavis said in the state assembly, urging citizens to maintain peace.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, a three-time MP from Nagpur, echoed the call for calm, stating, “Nagpur has a history of peace. I appeal to everyone to avoid rumors and stay off the streets.”

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The imposition of a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has brought an uneasy calm to the city, with heavy police deployment in sensitive areas.

However, political reactions have been polarized. BJP MLA Pravin Datke alleged that the violence was orchestrated and criticized the police for not standing with citizens, while opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut and Congress MLA Vijay Waddetiwar, blamed the state government for failing to maintain law and order. “This is a government-sponsored incident,” Waddetiwar claimed, pointing fingers at provocative statements from BJP leaders.

The Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman, Pyare Khan, termed the violence “unfortunate” and suggested that outsiders, not locals, were responsible for disrupting Nagpur’s harmony. “This city is known for saints and coexistence. Anti-social elements from outside caused this,” Khan said.

As investigations continue, authorities have vowed strict action against those responsible. The incident has sparked a broader debate about communal tensions, governance, and the role of historical grievances in contemporary conflicts, leaving Nagpur’s residents grappling with the aftermath of a night that shattered their city’s peaceful legacy.