Nagpur Violence Sparks Political Clash: ‘Guilty Must Be Punished,’ Says Congress MP

"To Divert Attention, They Are Fueling This Unrest" – Pramod Tiwari

Curfew Imposed After Clashes Over Aurangzeb’s Grave; BJP, Congress Trade Blame

Political Tensions Rise Over Nagpur Unrest

As violence erupted in Nagpur's Mahal and Hansapuri areas, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday demanded strict punishment for those responsible, while BJP MLA Pravin Datke alleged that the incident was "pre-planned."

"Peace should prevail in Nagpur, and the guilty should be punished. But how did the BJP allow its allied groups to protest in such a situation? They are fueling this to divert attention from their failures," Tiwari said.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Pravin Datke, who visited the violence-hit Hansapuri area, claimed the attacks were targeted and questioned the role of law enforcement.

"This was all pre-planned. The fact that only Hindu-owned shops and stalls were damaged, while Muslim-owned ones remained untouched, raises serious concerns," he alleged.

Curfew Imposed as Violence Escalates

A curfew has been imposed across multiple areas of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over demands to remove Aurangzeb's grave, according to an official notification from the Maharashtra Police.

Curfew Zones: Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

According to the police order, on March 17, nearly 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. The protest escalated, with demonstrators raising slogans and displaying symbolic objects as part of their agitation.

Later in the evening, another group of 80-100 people gathered in Bhaldarpura, further intensifying the situation and leading to clashes, vandalism, and stone-pelting.

"The police were not standing with Hindu citizens here. A large part of the mob came from outside," alleged BJP MLA Datke, warning that if action is not taken, "Hindus will be forced to take the next step."

Law & Order Measures: Communication Ban & Strict Enforcement

Key Restrictions Under Section 163:
No public movement except for medical emergencies.
Gatherings of more than five people banned.
Strict prohibition on spreading rumors and inciting violence.
Police authorized to shut down roads and take preventive action.

Violators will be punished under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Political Fallout & Call for Unity

The violent clashes have triggered a political blame game, with Congress accusing the BJP of failing to control law and order, while BJP leaders have demanded strict police action against the perpetrators.

"Instead of turning Nagpur’s 300-year-old peaceful history into a political tool, we should work towards maintaining peace," Tiwari urged.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule also appealed for calm, stating:

"Our priority is to restore peace. An investigation will reveal the truth, but people must not fall for rumors. The police are doing their job, and everyone should cooperate."

With curfew in place and heightened security across Nagpur, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens not to believe in misinformation and help maintain communal harmony.

Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by Misha Bhatia