Authorities imposed a curfew in several parts of Nagpur on Monday night after violence erupted following rumours of a holy book being desecrated during a protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal enforced the restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), with police stating that the curfew will remain in effect until further notice.
Violence broke out after over 200 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest near the Shivaji Maharaj statue, burning an effigy of Aurangzeb. Rumours of a holy book being desecrated spread on social media, triggering retaliation.
A group of 80-100 people gathered unlawfully and pelted stones at police personnel. Officers responded with tear gas and a lathi charge in Chitnis Park and Mahal as the violence extended to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth. Four policemen were injured, and several vehicles were set on fire.
The curfew applies to areas under Kotwali, Ganeshpet, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpavli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police jurisdictions. Movement outside residences is prohibited except for medical emergencies. Gatherings of more than five people and the spread of rumours are also banned. Violators face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Essential service workers, government officials, police personnel, fire brigade staff, and students appearing for exams are exempt. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, and Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged citizens to maintain peace and harmony. Authorities assured that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to restore order.
