On Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state legislative assembly regarding the recent riots in Nagpur, noting that while the situation is now under control, a curfew remains enforced in at least 11 police stations throughout the city.

Fadnavis attributed the violence to rumors disseminated via social media. “I do not wish to criticize any film. However, the movie ‘Chhawa,’ which portrays the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj, has stirred strong emotions across Maharashtra,” he stated. He added, “There is a growing sentiment of anger towards Aurangzeb. It is crucial to uphold law and order in Maharashtra, and I urge everyone to show restraint. If we maintain social order, we can continue to progress. However, I warn that anyone attempting to incite riots will face severe consequences, regardless of their caste or religion.”

The Chief Minister declared that the Nagpur incident seemed orchestrated. “On Monday morning, peace prevailed after the initial incident, but later in the evening, evidence emerged that certain individuals had intentionally incited violence, as a trolley filled with stones was discovered. Multiple reports of individuals stockpiling stones at residences were noted, along with large quantities of seized weapons and vehicles set ablaze. Specific establishments and homes were targeted, indicating a calculated pattern behind the unrest,” he explained.

Fadnavis also recounted that on Monday, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal members protested in Nagpur’s Mahal area, calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave and burning a symbolic grave made of grass. Following the protest, at approximately 3:09 PM, the Ganesh Peth police registered a case against the demonstrators. While the atmosphere was calm initially, later a rumor circulated that the symbolic grave had religious inscriptions, which incited a crowd returning from prayers to gather and become aggressive, prompting police intervention.

He noted that during a complaint filed by members of the Muslim community at Ganeshpeth police station, a mob of 200 to 300 men, armed and masked, attacked the Hansapuri area, damaging 12 two-wheelers and causing injuries to several individuals.

“At approximately 7:30 PM, a mob of 80 to 100 attacked the police in the Bhaldarpura area. Police deployed tear gas and minimal force to disperse the crowd, which had begun burning a crane and a few vehicles. In total, 33 police officers were injured, including three at the deputy commissioner level. One officer suffered a serious axe injury, while local civilians sustained injuries, with some hospitalized,” Fadnavis reported.

He reiterated that the attacks were premeditated and assured strict action against the culprits. “Attacks against law enforcement will not be tolerated. Those responsible will face repercussions, irrespective of circumstances. The police were attempting to restore peace when they came under attack.”

Fadnavis revealed that three deputy commissioners were seriously injured and are currently hospitalized due to the violence. Meanwhile, a curfew has been enforced in 11 police station jurisdictions, ordering people to remain indoors and prohibiting gatherings of more than five individuals. While life is proceeding normally in other areas of Nagpur, tensions persist within the city.

In response to the unrest, police have initiated combing operations, resulting in the detention of 65 individuals alleged to be inciting violence through social media. Initial investigations suggest many involved in the Mahal violence hail from the Kalamna and Itwari areas of North Nagpur. Police teams have been actively searching for those responsible, recovering vehicles and identity documents left behind during the riots.

The Nagpur Police have arrested 80 individuals, with an additional 55 social media accounts being monitored for the dissemination of inflammatory content. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) is currently active in Nagpur, with heightened police presence throughout the Mahal area.