NAGPUR: Nagpur Police on Wednesday arrested local leader Fahim Shamim Khan, who has been accused of orchestrating the communal violence that broke out in the city on Monday, injuring more than 30 police personnel.
The violence, which erupted late Monday night, saw large-scale arson, stone-pelting, and attacks on police personnel, leading to a citywide security crackdown.
The unrest broke out just 2km from the fortified RSS headquarters after protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb spiraled out of control. The clashes left at least 10 anti-riot commandos, two IPS officers, and two firemen injured.
Mobs torched two JCB machines and 40 vehicles, vandalized police vans, and clashed with security forces.
Police launched combing operations, arresting at least 50 rioters, while the Union home ministry sought a report on the incident, which comes just weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to the city.
Sources said the violence was triggered by rumours that right-wing activists had burned effigies of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and a religious ‘chadar’ near Shivaji Putla Square at Mahal Gate.
The unrest escalated as crowds gathered, demanding action against those involved. Clashes erupted at Chitnis Park Chowk, where riot-control police faced heavy stone-pelting.
As violence spread, curfew was imposed in several areas under Section 163.
Over 1,000 police personnel were deployed across central Nagpur, including in Mahal, Chitnis Park Chowk, and Bhaldarpura. Key roads such as Fawwara Chowk, Gandhi Putla Chowk, and Badkas Chowk were sealed off. Riot-control vehicles, including water cannons and tear gas units, were used to disperse mobs.
City police, aided by intelligence agencies and the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), are investigating potential security threats. Authorities suspect social media misinformation played a significant role in mobilizing crowds.
19 remanded in Nagpur violence case
The JMFC court on Wednesday remanded 19 accused in the Nagpur violence case to police custody till March 21. A day earlier, police had produced 27 of the 51 accused in the Mahal riots case, with proceedings continuing till midnight.
While police sought a seven-day remand for further interrogation, the court had not ruled on it at the time of reporting. Defence lawyers opposed the remand, claiming wrongful arrests and arguing that many detained individuals were not involved in the violence.
Over 1,200 booked, 70 injured
A day after mob violence rocked Nagpur, nearly 30% of the city remained under curfew, with 1,000 security personnel fortifying sensitive areas.
Police have booked over 1,200 people across six FIRs, including members of VHP and Bajrang Dal, after an effigy-burning incident triggered widespread arson. At least 70 people, including 34 cops, were injured, with two civilians battling for life.
Disturbing reports emerged of attacks on police personnel, including a woman officer who was groped and an IPS officer attacked with an axe.
Security has been heightened, with schools shut, surveillance intensified, and authorities urging restraint to prevent further escalation.
Woman cop molested, rioters hurled petrol bombs at police
An FIR registered at Ganeshpeth Police Station has revealed that a woman police officer was allegedly molested by one of the accused during the Nagpur violence.
The FIR states that the accused misbehaved with the Riot Control Police (RCP) officer, touched her uniform and body, and made obscene gestures.
Officials also reported that rioters hurled petrol bombs and stones at the police during the clashes.