Nagpur violence: Curfew imposed in several city areas, over 55 detained

Curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur following violence that erupted over a call to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra. The tomb, which dates back to the 17th century, is located in Aurangabad, now referred to as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. 

During Monday's violence, tear gas shells were fired to control the situation and more than 55 people have been detained so far.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal said that the curfew applies to the areas under the jurisdiction of the Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police stations. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

According to the police commissioner's notice, supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal gathered near the statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Nagpur's Mahal area on Monday to protest the presence of Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra. They chanted slogans and burned a photo of Aurangzeb along with a "symbolic grave covered in green cloth filled with grass," as stated in the notice.

Later in the evening, about 80 to 100 people from a particular community became violent. Stones were thrown at police officers and several vehicles were set ablaze. The police responded with mild force, utilizing lathicharge and tear gas. The situation is currently under control, with four people reported injured.

20 police teams formed to restore peace

According to media reports, 20 police teams have been formed to restore peace.

On the other hand, CM Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with state BJP president and cabinet minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule late night. After this, Bawankule left for Nagpur. The CM has asked him to submit a report on the incident.

Bawankule is the guardian minister of Nagpur. At the same time, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is an MLA from Nagpur South-West seat. At the same time, security has been increased at Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The SP said that one company and two platoons of SRPF have been deployed in the district.

Demand to demolish Aurangzeb's grave, CM Fadnavis supported

Earlier, amid growing controversy, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's descendant and Satara BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale had demanded the demolition of Aurangzeb's grave. He said- Send a JCB machine and demolish his (Aurangzeb's) grave, he was a thief and a looter. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also supported this demand.

Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh also demanded the removal of the grave. He wrote a letter to Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking details of the expenditure on the maintenance of the grave. Raja said- Not a single rupee of taxpayers' money should be spent on the grave of the person who suppressed our culture.