Nagpur violence: VHP, Bajrang Dal booked amid Aurangzeb controversy; Why did Maharashtra police take action?

There was a fierce confrontation in Nagpur within the state of Maharashtra on the evening of March 17, when two parties indulged in hot arguments in the Mahal locality. The conflict escalated and became a stone-pelting case, forcing the authorities to act quickly. The police, as a counter-measure, filed an FIR against Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists for hurting religious sentiments by protesting the demolition of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's mausoleum in Sambhajinagar.

As per reports, FIR was filed with Ganeshpeth police station against VHP Maharashtra and Goa in-charge Govind Shende and several others. The cases were filed on their alleged involvement in a demonstration that allegedly led to religious disharmony.

False rumors cause fights in Nagpur

The situation turned ugly in Chitnis Park, city centre area Nagpur, at 7:30 PM on Monday. The fight was alleged to have been instigated by a false rumor that a religious book had been burnt amidst the protest led by the VHP for the demolition of Aurangzeb's mausoleum. This spread of false news led to violent fights, beating up of the police force.

The officials subsequently confirmed that protesters had been booked for hurting religious sentiments. The police have not made any arrests so far in the case.

Curfew in Nagpur sensitive areas

In a bid to limit the violence, curfew was imposed in sensitive areas of Nagpur like Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Lakadganj. The ban, effective from 4:30 AM on Tuesday, restricts movement to pinprick activities only. Law and order personnel have sent Quick Response Teams (QRT) and riot control staff to implement the job, installing barricades to seal off sensitive areas.

Security patrols are also bolstered by the authorities in 11 sensitive areas by installing several checkpoints in the city. Police are on their toes so that the situation is not further inflamed.

Nagpur violence was pre-planned, claims police

According to police officials as the unrest was underway, the police hinted that the Nagpur violence was pre-planned. In the meanwhile, VHP leaders claimed they would not keep quiet about any glorification of Aurangzeb and rubbished the claims that they had desecrated holy books.

VHP's Vidarbha province co-minister, Devesh Mishra, asked the government to take tough legal action against riot perpetrators. He also asked for the accused to be arrested under the National Security Act (NSA). He also denied reports that VHP and Bajrang Dal workers had torched sacred inscriptions during their protest, and claimed that the charges were politically motivated and without basis.

While the tensions still prevail, the authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any more unrest in the region.