Nagpur, March 17, 2025: Violence erupted in Maharashtra’s Nagpur after a dispute between two groups during a protest by a right-wing outfit demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The clash resulted in several vehicles being torched and stones being pelted in the Mahal area of the city. In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged the public to maintain peace and law and order, warning of strict action against anyone indulging in violence. Over 50 people have been detained in connection with the unrest, and police are analyzing CCTV footage to identify suspects.

March 17, 2025 - 23:59 IST: Over 50 People Detained

Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, the Commissioner of Police, Nagpur, confirmed that more than 50 people have been detained in connection with the violence. He assured that all detained individuals were locals and none were from outside the area. The police have heightened efforts to restore peace and order in the region.

March 17, 2025 - 23:54 IST: Vijay Waddetiwar Criticizes Government

Congress leader Vijay Waddetiwar blamed a Maharashtra government minister for making controversial statements in recent months, suggesting that such remarks might have fueled the violence. "Had he been asked to keep quiet, this wouldn’t have happened," Waddetiwar commented, without naming the minister.

March 17, 2025 - 23:50 IST: Eyewitness Describes the Incident

Sunil Peshne, a local resident, shared his experience of the violent incident, saying that around 500 to 1,000 people were involved in stone-pelting and setting fire to vehicles around 8:30 pm. He claimed that around 25-30 vehicles were vandalized in the violence, which spread rapidly.

March 17, 2025 - 23:47 IST: Eknath Shinde Calls Supporters of Aurangzeb "Traitors"

In a response to the protests, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared that those who glorify Aurangzeb are "traitors." He criticized the Mughal emperor for his actions in Maharashtra, asserting that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a divine force who stood against Aurangzeb’s tyranny.

March 17, 2025 - 23:44 IST: Priority to Restore Peace, Says BJP Leader

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Maharashtra Minister and State BJP Chief, said that the government’s first priority is to restore peace in society, with investigations to follow. He urged citizens not to believe in rumors and to support the police administration in maintaining law and order.

March 17, 2025 - 23:40 IST: Congress Calls for Peace, Questions Fadnavis' Leadership

Congress leader Pawan Khera pointed out that Nagpur, which has a history of over 300 years without riots, should not have witnessed such unrest. He criticized the BJP-led government at both the Centre and State for failing to maintain law and order during the protest, which involved Hindutva groups seeking the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.

March 17, 2025 - 23:33 IST: CM Fadnavis Appeals for Peace, Warns of Strict Action

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence in the Mahal area and expressed concern over stone-pelting at police personnel. He assured that strict action would be taken against those involved in the violence. “If anyone indulges in rioting or stone-pelting, strict action should be taken,” he said in a video message, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining peace.

March 17, 2025 - 23:30 IST: Police Detain 20+ People, Investigation Underway

Nagpur Police issued prohibitory orders in the Mahal area after the violence broke out. Over 20 people have been detained, and authorities are currently analyzing CCTV footage to identify the suspects involved in the unrest. Police have also called for the public’s cooperation in ensuring law and order.

March 17, 2025 - 23:24 IST: Four People Injured in Clashes

The violence resulted in four individuals being injured, following which the police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The situation remains tense, with authorities taking all measures to restore calm.

March 17, 2025 - 23:21 IST: Clash Erupts Over Alleged Incident with Kalma Cloth

The violence began after Muslim groups accused members of the Hindu right-wing group of burning a cloth containing the "kalma" (Islamic text) during their protest against the tomb of Aurangzeb. This allegation triggered clashes between the two groups.

March 17, 2025 - 23:19 IST: Firefighter Injured in Arson

A firefighter was injured after two JCBs were set on fire during the protests. The fire brigade official confirmed the incident, which added to the chaos of the evening.

March 17, 2025 - 23:18 IST: Vehicles Burnt, Stone-Pelting on Police

Several vehicles were set on fire, and stone-pelting was directed at police personnel as the violence escalated. The confrontation took place between two groups, leading to significant property damage and injuries.

March 17, 2025 - 23:17 IST: Section 144 Imposed in Nagpur

In response to the clashes, Section 144 has been imposed in Nagpur, restricting public gatherings in the affected areas. This is part of the government’s effort to prevent further escalation and maintain peace.

The situation in Nagpur remains volatile, with authorities taking necessary steps to restore peace and prevent further violence. Chief Minister Fadnavis has made it clear that the government will take strict action against those causing unrest, and efforts are underway to ensure that law and order are maintained in the city. The situation continues to develop, and more updates will follow.