NEW DELHI: Nagpur’s Mahal area witnessed violent clashes on Monday night following a dispute between two groups, leading to vandalism and arson. Several vehicles were set ablaze, and reports of stone pelting created panic among residents.
Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated quickly, with miscreants damaging property and torching vehicles as the situation spiralled out of control. Videos from the scene showed burning vehicles and scattered debris.
Police rushed to the spot to contain the violence and bring the situation under control. Additional personnel have been deployed to prevent further unrest.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the clash and identifying those involved. Meanwhile, locals have been urged to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Archit Chandak confirmed that the violence stemmed from a miscommunication. “The situation is under control right now. Our force here is strong. I appeal to everyone not to step out or engage in stone pelting,” he said.
Several police personnel sustained injuries, including DCP Chandak, who was hit in the leg. “We called the Fire Brigade to douse the flames and took immediate action,” he added, urging people not to believe rumours and to cooperate with the police.
A Fire Brigade official said that two JCBs and several other vehicles were set ablaze during the clashes in Nagpur’s Mahal area. “Two JCBs and a few more vehicles were also impacted. One fireman is injured,” the official stated.
Following the violent clashes, the Maharashtra chief minister’s office (CMO) has assured that the police are handling the situation and urged citizens to remain calm.
“The police administration is actively managing the situation after reports of stone pelting and unrest. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens to fully cooperate with authorities,” the CMO said in a statement.
Officials urged residents not to fall for rumours. “We are in constant touch with the police administration, and the public must extend full support to maintain law and order,” the statement added. “Nagpur is a peaceful and co-operative city. This has been a permanent tradition of Nagpur. In such a case, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed not to believe any rumours and give full cooperation to the administration.”
Furthermore, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari has urged residents to maintain peace following the outbreak.
“Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. The city’s history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any kind of rumours and to maintain peace,” Gadkari said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey has criticised the Maharashtra government over the violence, calling it a failure of law and order.
“Ensuring law and order is the priority of the state government… The violence in Nagpur is very unfortunate… Vehicles were set on fire, stones were pelted… The situation is out of control… People of different religions live peacefully in Nagpur… The state government has failed to take everyone along,” Dubey said.