Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra Junior Minister for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam reported on Tuesday morning that 47 individuals had been detained following the recent violence in Nagpur sparked by demands for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Kadam stated that between 12 to 14 police personnel were injured, some with ligament tears, while two to three civilians also sustained injuries. He mentioned that the cause of the violence was still under investigation.
“The reason behind the violence has not been found yet. 47 people have been detained so far. 12-14 police personnel were injured in the incident. Some of them are suffering from ligament tear. Two to three civilians also received injuries,” Kadam told reporters.
The minister assured that the situation was brought under control by afternoon when FIRs were filed. However, he noted that a group later emerged and engaged in vandalism, prompting stricter measures.
“We will find the reason behind the incident. The entire matter was resolved in the afternoon after the police station registered the FIRs. However, after five to six hours of gap, a group took to vandalism. Stringent action will be taken on those who took the law into their hands,” Kadam added.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat called for public unity, urging people not to believe in rumours.
“There are some people in the country who take advantage. I appeal to the public to understand the facts and not pay attention to rumours and to stay together harmoniously,” Sehrawat said.
BJP MLA Pravin Datke, who visited the violence-affected area of Hansapuri, claimed the incident was pre-planned.
“This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. There’s a (roadside) stall that belongs to a Muslim. Nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged. The cameras were destroyed. It indicates that this thing was planned,” Datke said.
Datke criticized the police for failing to support local citizens and suspected that much of the mob came from outside neighborhoods.
“I have to say that the Police were not standing with the Hindu citizens here. I don’t know the reason behind it. A large part of the mob came from the outside…If the Police don’t take action, the Hindus will be forced to take the next step. This is all I want to say,” Datke stated.
In response to the violence, authorities imposed a curfew across multiple areas in Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The curfew applies to regions including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
As per the official order from Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain until further notice to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.
The order prohibits individuals from leaving their homes except for medical emergencies and forbids gatherings of more than five people. It also warns against spreading rumours and authorizes police to block roads in affected areas. Violators face punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
However, the curfew exempts police officers, government officials on duty, students attending essential services, and emergency personnel like firefighters.