Nagpur authorities have enforced a curfew in multiple areas after violent clashes erupted over demands to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra. The tomb, situated in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), has been at the center of recent tensions.
Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal issued a curfew order under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The affected areas include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police station limits. Authorities have stated that these restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
The unrest began when members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Nagpur’s Mahal area, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra. According to the police notice, protestors raised slogans and set fire to a photograph of Aurangzeb along with “a symbolic grave in a green cloth (filled with grass).” Reports suggest that the burning of the green cloth sparked controversy, as some claimed it contained sacred inscriptions, leading to heightened tensions.
As tensions escalated, a group of around 80 to 100 individuals allegedly turned violent, pelting stones at law enforcement and torching several vehicles. Police responded with a lathicharge and tear gas to control the situation. Four people sustained injuries, while more than a dozen police personnel were also hurt.
Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged residents to maintain peace and refrain from falling prey to misinformation. “I assure you all that the government will take action against those who have committed mistakes or engaged in illegal activities. The Chief Minister has already been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours,” he said.
So far, authorities have detained 50 individuals linked to the violence, and a strong police presence has been deployed to prevent further disturbances.
