New Delhi [India], March 18: BJP leader Anup Dhotre has termed the violence in Nagpur as a “planned incident,” attributing it to politically motivated individuals who have no concern for the welfare of Muslims. Dhotre claimed that this incident was driven by personal interests and noted that such actions have been seen both before and after India’s independence for political gain. He further emphasized that common Muslims are not involved in such incidents.
“The incident was orchestrated by politically motivated people who do not care about Muslims’ welfare. They have done this for their own personal benefits. However, our Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Home Minister Amit Shah know how to handle such situations,” said Dhotre.
Following the unrest over the demand to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, the Maharashtra government has imposed a curfew in several areas of Nagpur. The curfew was enacted under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and it will remain in effect until further notice. The areas affected include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
According to a notification by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, tensions escalated on March 17 when 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur. The protesters, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave, raised slogans and displayed a symbolic green cloth with cow dung cakes. Later that evening, around 80 to 100 people gathered in Bhaldarpura, creating further unrest.
As a result of the disturbances and to maintain law and order, the police have imposed restrictions and a communication ban in the affected areas. Anyone found violating the curfew is subject to punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).