Hindu outfits threaten 'Babri-like' action if Aurangzeb tomb in Maharashtra not razed
The VHP and Bajrang Dal called off a protest pushing for the razing of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar like Ayodhya's Babri Masjid demolition, citing law and order concerns.
"A game is being played": Pawan Khera blames BJP for Nagpur violence
20 injured in Nagpur clash amid Aurangzeb tomb row, prohibitory orders issued
Violent clashes broke out in Nagpur after protests by Hindu groups demanding Aurangzeb's tomb's removal. Vehicles were set ablaze, and stones were thrown. Police and officials blamed rumours for the unrest, urging calm.
An eyewitness and local from Hansapuri area says,
" A team came here, their faces were hidden with scarfs. They had sharp weapons, stickers and bottles in their hands.
They started the ruckus, vandalised shops and pelted stones. They also torched vehicles"
Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur hours after Hindu outfits led a protest in the city demanding removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra's Sambhaji Nagar.
Nearly 20 people, including 15 police personnel were injured, about 25 bikes and three cars were set on fire, 17 people were detained and prohibitory orders were issued in the city following a massive clash between two groups.
The clashes come amid a massive controversy over the Aurangzeb tomb in Sambhaji Nagar, with Hindu outfits like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) seeking its demolition. The two groups also held protests in Nagpur on Monday morning, hours before the clashes broke out.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office said the police are managing the situation following stone-throwing incidents and rising tensions in Nagpur's Mahal area. "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens to fully cooperate with the administration," the statement said.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal said the situation in the city is currently peaceful.
He explained that the unrest began after a photo was burned, which led to people gathering and raising concerns. The violence occurred around 8 to 8:30 p.m., during which two vehicles were torched and incidents of stone-pelting were reported. Dr Singal said the police are conducting combing operations to identify and arrest those involved.
"We have imposed Section 144 and everyone has been told to not step out unnecessarily or take the law in their hands. Do not believe rumours," he said.
The Nagpur rural police have been called in for assistance, and cyber police are working to curb the spread of rumours. The violence resulted in the burning of 25 to 30 two-wheelers and 2 to 3 cars.
Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged residents to remain calm following tensions in the city. "Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur," he said. Gadkari added that the government would take action against those responsible for any wrongdoing. "The Chief Minister has already been informed about the situation, so I request everyone to ignore rumours," he said.
Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated quickly, with public property damaged and vehicles set on fire as the situation worsened. Videos from the scene showed burning vehicles and debris scattered across the area.
Another video showed a JCB machine was set on fire during the protests.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have demanded the removal of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, warning of a "Babri-like" repeat for the structure if it is not taken down.
Needless to recall that the karsevaks demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992.
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