Aurangzeb Tomb Row: Stone-Pelting and Clashes Break Out in Nagpur; 4 Injured

Tension gripped central Nagpur on Monday as stones were pelted at police personnel by protesters following rumours that the Quran was desecrated during a right-wing demonstration demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. The violence, which spread across multiple areas including Mahal, left at least four people injured and led to incidents of stone-pelting and damage to several vehicles. Large mobs created further unrest, prompting police resort to firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowds and restore order.

Protesters gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The unrest was sparked by rumors that the Quran had been desecrated during a protest organized by members of the Bajrang Dal. These rumors reportedly quickly spread on social media, causing widespread anger within the Muslim community. Videos from the demonstration went viral, further fueling outrage, according to police officials.

In response to the rumors, a complaint was filed at Ganeshpeth police station later in the evening, alleging the burning of the holy Quran. This led to large gatherings of Muslim community members in various parts of the city, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitanvis Park, as tensions escalated across Nagpur.

Soon after the protest, tensions flared in central Nagpur. According to officials, at least four people were injured in the violence, which soon spread to multiple localities, including Mahal, Kotwali, Chitnis Park, Ganeshpeth, and Shukrawari Talao. To control the situation, police resorted to firing tear gas shells and using baton charges.

As violence intensified, miscreants targeted residential areas, pelting stones at houses, further escalating the already tense atmosphere. Several vehicles were reportedly set on fire, and clashes continued into the afternoon. Authorities deployed additional forces, including Riot Control Police, Quick Response Teams (QRT), and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), to restore order.

Despite the chaos, Bajrang Dal leaders denied the claims of Quran desecration, insisting that they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb, not the holy book. 

In response to the violence, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a public appeal for calm, urging citizens not to fall victim to rumors. "Nagpur has always been a city of peace and harmony. Do not believe unverified claims," the Chief Minister's Office said. He assured the public that the situation was being closely monitored.

The Chief Minister's Office further stated that the police administration was handling the situation and urged the public to cooperate fully with authorities. "We are constantly in touch with the police administration, and citizens should cooperate with them. Nagpur is a peaceful and cooperative city. This has been a permanent tradition of Nagpur," the CMO stated.

In light of the ongoing tensions, heavy police presence was maintained across the area to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety.