18th March 2025: Nagpur witnessed violent clashes late Monday night as protests demanded the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad spiraled out of control. The unrest left dozens injured, including at least 10 anti-riot commandos, two senior police officers, and two firemen, with one constable in critical condition. Mobs torched two bulldozers and around 40 vehicles, including police vans, as security forces struggled to contain the escalating violence.
The large-scale crackdown by the police resulted in the arrest of 50 rioters, while the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought a detailed report on the violence. The unrest comes just two weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Nagpur.
Causes of the Violence
The violence was reportedly triggered by rumors that protesters had burned effigies of Aurangzeb and a religious chadar near Shivaji Putla Square at Mahal Gate, merely 2 km from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters. The situation worsened after alleged stone-pelting incidents at Chitnis Park and Hansapuri, where multiple injuries were reported, and vehicles, including police vans, were set ablaze.
Amid the chaos, curfews were imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police station limits. The police also implemented a communication curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to prevent misinformation from spreading and fueling further unrest.
Political Reactions and Blame Game
The violence sparked sharp political reactions across party lines. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged citizens to maintain peace and avoid believing in rumors. “Nagpur has always been a peaceful city where people coexist in harmony. I urge everyone to stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement,” Fadnavis said.
Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule visited the affected areas, while Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke alleged that “outsiders” had been brought in to incite violence. He further accused law enforcement of failing to act in time. “This entire thing was preplanned. A mob entered only Hindu houses and shops, broke all the cameras first, and then carried out violence with weapons,” he claimed.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned the violence, blaming BJP leaders for stoking tensions to divert attention from key issues. On the other hand, BJP MP Anil Bonde alleged that organized crime elements had been incited by the Opposition’s Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition to instigate violence.
VHP and Bajrang Dal’s Threats
Right-wing organizations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal had previously threatened to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad if the government failed to take action. The protests saw a significant escalation as a right-wing group from Uttar Pradesh even announced a Rs 21 lakh reward for demolishing the tomb.
CM Fadnavis stated that it was “unfortunate” that the government had to protect Aurangzeb’s grave despite his history of persecution. BJP leader Nitesh Rane also referenced the Babri Masjid demolition, urging Hindutva groups to take action against the tomb.
Security Measures and Restrictions
The Nagpur Police Commissioner, Ravinder Kumar Singal, has imposed strict restrictions, preventing movement in the curfew-affected areas. Law enforcement officials have been authorized to close roads and restrict public gatherings of more than five people.
Authorities have taken several measures to maintain peace, including deploying additional police forces and enforcing curfews in key areas. Despite the violence, Khultabad, where Aurangzeb’s tomb was, remained relatively peaceful under tight security.
Eyewitness Account from the Ground
As the night wore on, tension remained palpable in the old quarters of Mahal. According to an on-ground correspondent, the streets were littered with stones and bricks, a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. Tear gas still hung heavy in the air, affecting even police officers who had suffered injuries but remained on duty.
“The violence was not spontaneous. It was orchestrated. First, all CCTV cameras were broken before the attacks began. Police presence was minimal when the first attack happened,” a resident said. Many residents stayed indoors, fearing further violence as slogans rang through the night.
Aftermath and Future Implications
Following the violence, school bus operators suspended services within the city, and schools and colleges in the affected zones were shut down as a precautionary measure. While no official order was issued, several institutions voluntarily closed their doors, fearing further disturbances.
The Opposition has taken the opportunity to slam the BJP government for failing to prevent the clashes. Congress leader Pawan Khera remarked, “Nagpur has not experienced riots in 300 years. Over the last few days, attempts were made to weaponize 300-year-old history to create division and unrest. This violence exposes the true face of the ruling ideology.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Manisha Kayande demanded strict action against those responsible for spreading rumors. “This violence couldn’t have occurred without pre-planning. Accusations and counter-accusations must stop. The state government must provide a clear response,” she said.
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