‘Nagpur has never witnessed such upheaval’: Cong attacks Fadnavis over unrest

Congress leader Pawan Khera has expressed deep concern over the recent violence in Nagpur, labeling it as profoundly alarming. He emphasised that Nagpur, with its 300-year history, has never experienced such riots and questioned how such unrest could occur in a city known for its communal harmony.

Reports of riots in Nagpur are deeply disturbing. Mahal is chief minister’s own area. In its 300 years of dynamic existence, Nagpur has never experienced riots. Over the last several days, attempts were being made to weaponise 300 year old history and use it now to create divisions, distractions and unrest. These clashes expose the real face of the ideology of the ruling regime - both at the Centre and in the state," Khera posted on X.

Khera criticised the ruling administration, suggesting that the violence exposes the true nature of their ideology. He accused certain political parties of deliberately provoking tensions for their own interests, urging citizens not to fall victim to these tactics and to prioritize peace,

Highlighting the responsibility of the government, Khera questioned the preparedness of law enforcement during the protests organised by groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, which demanded the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. He asked whether adequate arrangements were made to maintain law and order during such demonstrations.

Violent clashes erupted in central Nagpur on Monday night following protests by Hindu nationalist groups demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra. The unrest resulted in injuries to several police officers and extensive property damage.

It was a chaotic Monday as a hail of stones rained down on police officers, sparked by swirling rumours.

Police personnel resorted to tear-gas shelling and baton-charges to break up the unruly crowd wreaking havoc in Chitnis Park and Mahal area, though the turbulence soon spilled over into Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, authorities reported.

The reports further suggested that as stones flew through the air, vehicles bore the brunt of the fury, and the police struggled to quell mobs numbering in the thousands, according to reports.

The unrest allegedly ignited after whispers spread that a sacred religious text had been desecrated during the protest.

In Nagpur's rural regions, law enforcement has been summoned to lend a hand, while the cyber division strives to halt the wildfire of misinformation.

The unrest resulted in significant property damage, including the torching of approximately 40 vehicles, among them two earthmovers and several police vans.

The Maharashtra chief minister’s office declared that authorities are grappling with the unrest sparked by stone-hurling and escalating friction in the Mahal district.

“Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has called on the public to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the government,” a statement said.

“We’re maintaining close communication with the police, and we ask residents to join forces with them. Nagpur has long been a beacon of harmony and unity—this is its legacy. The chief minister implores everyone to dismiss false tales and rally behind the officials,” the statement further said.

With IANS inputs