Nagpur, Maharashtra, March 24: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) anti-encroachment squad on Monday demolished illegal constructions at the residence of Yusuf Sheikh, one of the accused in the Nagpur riots case, located at Johri Pura Mahal in the city. Earlier in the day, parts of the house of another accused, Faheem Khan, were also demolished.
Sunil Gajbhiye, Deputy Engineer of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, explained the legal process, stating, “We had the order to investigate a complaint. After a thorough investigation, a notice was issued under Sec 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act (MRTP Act) for 24 hours. Once the notice period ended, we proceeded with the action.”
The demolitions are part of the response to the violent clashes that took place in Nagpur on March 17, sparked by the demand to remove the grave of Aurangzeb. The situation escalated when rumors circulated that a holy book had been burnt, leading to stone pelting at the police and other violent incidents.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the position of Home Minister, addressed the violence in a press conference on March 22. He confirmed that 92 people had been arrested in connection with the riots. “The violence was triggered by rumors spread on social media alleging that a holy ‘chadar’ had been burnt,” Fadnavis said. “This led to stone pelting, torching of vehicles, and attacks on shops in Nagpur.”
Fadnavis also declared that any damages caused during the violence would be recovered from the rioters. “If they do not pay, their property will be sold for recovery. Bulldozers will also be used wherever necessary,” he added.
In a further development, the Maharashtra Police’s Cyber Cell revealed that Faheem Khan, one of the accused in the violence, had edited and circulated videos that glorified violence and contributed to the spread of the riots across Nagpur. Khan, who is a leader of the Minorities Democratic Party, was arrested on March 19 and remains in custody.