Special Correspondent
Nagpur: A violent clash erupted between two groups in Nagpur over the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, leading to arson, stone-pelting, and destruction of property. The situation turned tense in the Mahal area, forcing the police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles and shops were vandalized and set on fire. During the violence, some youths from one group also attacked fire brigade personnel with stones, injuring them. Several police officers were also hurt in the stone-pelting.
The unrest began around 7 to 7:30 PM on Monday when a large group gathered in the Mahal area and started raising slogans. Soon after, another group responded, escalating tensions. As the police intervened to separate the groups, heavy stone-pelting started from the Bhalsarpura area, targeting the police. Despite efforts to control the situation, large stones were hurled at law enforcement, prompting them to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles were damaged in the clashes.
Following the violent incidents in Mahal, the police are working to restore order. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to the public to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities. “Nagpur has always been a peaceful city where people stand together in times of need. I urge everyone not to believe in rumors and to support the administration in maintaining law and order,” he said.
MLA Pravin Datke alleged that the situation worsened due to the involvement of outsiders. “Protests had been going on since morning, and there was a dispute between two groups. However, by nightfall, outsiders entered the Mahal area and surrounding localities, resorting to large-scale stone-pelting, arson, and targeting specific families. The police are currently working to bring the situation under control,” he stated.
