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Nagpur Violence: Full Details of the Incident (March 2025)

Overview:

On the evening of March 17, 2025, Nagpur, a major city in Maharashtra, India, witnessed a sudden outbreak of violence that disrupted its usual calm. What began as a protest escalated into a chaotic scene of stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism, leaving the city under a curfew and prompting swift action from authorities. As of March 18, 2025, the situation has stabilized, but tensions linger, and investigations are underway to uncover the full scope of the incident.

What Happened in Nagpur Violence?

The violence erupted in central Nagpur’s Mahal area around 7:30 PM on March 17, following a protest organized by right-wing groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

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The demonstration was aimed at demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, approximately 200 kilometers from Nagpur.

During the protest, a symbolic grave made of hay was reportedly set ablaze, accompanied by claims that religious content was desecrated—an act that sparked rumors and outrage.

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By evening, these rumors—particularly one alleging that a holy book had been burned—spread rapidly, inciting a large crowd to gather.

Tensions boiled over as the mob began targeting specific homes, shops, and vehicles, primarily in the Chitnis Park and Hansapuri areas.

Stones were hurled at police personnel, vehicles were torched, and properties were vandalized.

The violence peaked between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM in Hansapuri, near Old Bhandara Road, where residents reported mobs setting fire to parked vehicles and damaging a clinic.

Casualties and Damage

• Injuries: At least 33 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), were injured. One senior officer was reportedly attacked with an axe, while others sustained injuries from stone-pelting. Five civilians were also hurt, with two requiring intensive care.
• Property Damage: Over 45 vehicles were vandalized or set ablaze, and several houses and shops, particularly those owned by members of the Hindu community, were targeted. CCTV cameras in the affected areas were deliberately destroyed, suggesting premeditation.
• Arrests: Nagpur Police have detained over 50 individuals, with five First Information Reports (FIRs) registered across various stations. Authorities are using CCTV footage and social media analysis to identify additional perpetrators.

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Response from Authorities

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio and hails from Nagpur, addressed the state legislative assembly on March 18, calling the violence a “premeditated conspiracy.” He noted that the mob had access to weapons, including sharp objects and trolleys filled with stones, and specifically targeted certain establishments. Fadnavis attributed heightened emotions to the recent release of the film Chhaava, which depicts the historical conflict between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, but urged citizens to maintain peace.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal confirmed that the situation was under control by March 18 morning. A curfew was imposed across multiple areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar, effective until further notice. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was invoked to restrict gatherings, and additional police forces were deployed to prevent further escalation.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed Fadnavis’ sentiments, labeling the incident “unfortunate” and suggesting a possible conspiracy targeting a specific community. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, also from Nagpur, joined the call for calm and harmony.

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Political Reactions

The incident has sparked a political firestorm:

• Opposition: Leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and other parties blamed the BJP-led Mahayuti government for failing to maintain law and order. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded the resignation of the “double-engine government,” pointing to the proximity of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur. Congress MP Imran Masood accused the police of inaction, while BSP chief Mayawati condemned the violence as a threat to communal harmony.
• Ruling Party: BJP MLA Pravin Datke accused the police of an intelligence failure, claiming the attack was preplanned and that Hindu properties were selectively targeted. He criticized the delayed response, noting that calls to the Tehsil police station went unanswered for hours.

Community Impact

Local residents expressed shock and fear. A shopkeeper from Hansapuri recounted closing his shop at 10:30 PM, only to be hit by a stone while attempting to extinguish a fire set by the mob. Another resident described watching helplessly from their balcony as rioters rampaged through the streets. Nagpur, known for its communal harmony, has rarely seen such unrest in its 300-year history, making this incident particularly jarring.

Investigation and Theories

Police and government officials are investigating several angles:

• Premeditation: Evidence of destroyed CCTV cameras, pre-stocked stones, and targeted attacks supports the theory of a planned assault.
• External Influence: The Maharashtra Minority Commission chairman, Pyare Khan, suggested that “outsiders” may have instigated the violence, as Nagpur locals are not typically prone to such acts.
• Social Media: Authorities suspect that rumors spread online fueled the unrest, with efforts now focused on tracing their origins.

A case has been filed against VHP and Bajrang Dal office-bearers, including Govind Shende, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during the initial protest.

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Current Status (March 18, 2025)

As of today, the curfew remains in effect, and the city is peaceful but tense. Schools, businesses, and daily activities in the affected areas are disrupted, with vehicular movement regulated by local DCPs.

Police are holding meetings with community leaders to prevent recurrence, and the government has promised strict action against those responsible.

Looking Ahead

The Nagpur violence has raised questions about communal harmony, law enforcement preparedness, and the role of historical grievances in modern conflicts.

As investigations continue, the city hopes to heal and restore its reputation as a peaceful hub in Maharashtra.

Updates will follow as more details emerge.