Nagpur Violence: Eknath Shinde Calls For Peace As Police Probe Conspiracy Angle

On Tuesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has described the recent violence in Nagpur as ‘unfortunate’ and urged people to maintain peace.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he stated that the police are investigating whether the incident was part of a ‘pre-planned conspiracy’.

“The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. 4 DCP level officers injured in this incident. The CM is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the Police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace,” Shinde stated.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister also cautioned against attempts to provoke communal tensions.

“Who is Aurangzeb? Is he a saint? Has he done any good work? One should read the history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and watch Chhava movies. They tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days. Aurangzeb was a traitor. Aurangzeb’s grave is a blot on Maharashtra. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,” Shinde asserted.

In response to rising tensions over demands to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, a curfew has imposed in several parts of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), according to an official police notification.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal issued an order stating that the restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

The curfew applies to multiple areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

According to the order, around 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal assembled near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, on 17 March to demand the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave.

The demonstrators displayed a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes and raised slogans.

Later that evening, a separate group of 80 to 100 people gathered in Bhaldarpura, further escalating tensions and disrupting public movement.

Authorities noted that the gathering created distress among residents and affected normal life in the area.

To prevent further disturbances, the police have implemented a ‘communication ban (curfew)’ in affected areas under Section 163.

Authorities can close roads in these areas to maintain order.

Violators of the curfew could face legal consequences under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Also Read: Nagpur Violence: CM Fadnavis Reviews Situation; Curfew Imposed