Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], March 22: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that any damage caused during the violent clashes in Nagpur on March 17 will be recovered from the rioters. In a press conference, CM Fadnavis warned that if the rioters fail to pay for the damages, their property would be sold to recover the costs, and bulldozers could also be used where necessary.
Fadnavis provided an update on the incident, explaining that the violence began after the burning of a replica of Aurangzeb’s grave. A rumour spread claiming that a verse from the Quran was written on the grave, prompting a crowd to gather, pelt stones, and commit arson. An FIR was filed, and so far, 104 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that anyone who spread rumours on social media will be considered co-accused, with 68 posts already identified and deleted. “Police action will be taken against those who are involved in the riots or are helping the rioters,” he said.
Earlier, CM Fadnavis held a review meeting at the Nagpur Police Headquarters to assess the violence. In connection with the incident, Hamid Engineer, working president of the Minorities Democratic Party, was arrested on Friday night. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Nagpur, Lohit Matani, confirmed the arrest.
The violence, which erupted over the demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave, led to clashes and stone-pelting against the police. A curfew was imposed in affected areas but has since been lifted as the situation returned to normal.
Meanwhile, the Nagpur Court ordered a medical examination for Fahim Khan, the prime accused in the violence, following his allegations of ill-treatment by the police. The court also recorded his magisterial custody remand and reserved the right for police custody remand.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal confirmed that 99 individuals had been arrested and assured an unbiased investigation into the matter.
The Congress party has also formed a committee of party leaders to visit the affected areas in Nagpur. Senior Congress leader Manikrao Thakare criticized the BJP for failing to address the situation in time, claiming the lack of attention from both the central and state governments contributed to the unrest.
Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, condemned the violence, stating, “Strictest action will be taken. People having the audacity to raise their hands on DCP-level officers and police personnel will not be tolerated.”