"No One Has Permission to Take Law Into Their Hands" – Maharashtra CM Issues Stern Warning
Curfew Imposed as Political Tensions Rise Over Aurangzeb Controversy
CM Devendra Fadnavis Blames Misinformation and Planned Conspiracy
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday described the Nagpur violence as a 'well-planned attack', alleging that misinformation and communal tensions were deliberately fueled.
"Rumors were spread that religious materials were burned during the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protests in Nagpur. This looks like a well-planned attack," Fadnavis said while addressing the legislative assembly.
Speaking in the Assembly on Nagpur violence, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt....It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has… pic.twitter.com/FlEmczU0Rl
Police officials were also targeted during the clashes. Three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) were injured, with one officer being attacked with an axe. In total, 33 policemen were injured, along with five civilians.
Fadnavis warned of strict action, stating that violence against law enforcement would not be tolerated.
"A trolley full of stones has been recovered from the violence spots. Specific houses and institutions were targeted. We will take action, and those who took the law into their hands will not be spared," he asserted.
The 'Chhava' Movie Connection: Fadnavis Links Public Anger to Aurangzeb Depiction
CM Fadnavis also linked the unrest to the film 'Chhava,' which depicts Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's execution at the hands of Aurangzeb.
"The ‘Chhava’ movie has ignited people's anger against Aurangzeb, but everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful. Law and order should be maintained. If anyone riots, we will take action regardless of caste or religion," he said.
On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "This violent incident and riots seem to be pre-planned."
"Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful." pic.twitter.com/XYaDSuBP7X
Fadnavis confirmed that police were already addressing complaints from Muslim community leaders regarding the violence.
Political Showdown in Assembly: BJP vs Opposition
The Nagpur unrest sparked a massive political battle in the Maharashtra Assembly, with the ruling Mahayuti and opposition leaders clashing over the issue.
Shiv Sena MLAs demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, while the opposition blamed the government for failing to prevent riots.
"These riots are the success of the government," opposition MLAs declared, accusing BJP ministers of fueling communal tensions.
On the other hand, BJP leaders countered that some groups were deliberately glorifying Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb to provoke violence.
BJP MLA Pravin Datke, who visited the violence-hit area of Hansapuri, asserted that the attack was carefully orchestrated.
"This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Hindus and Muslims, only Hindu-owned shops were targeted. Cameras were also destroyed to erase evidence," Datke alleged.
He further slammed the police for allegedly failing to protect Hindu citizens.
"The police were not standing with Hindu citizens here. A large part of the mob came from outside… If the police don’t take action, Hindus will be forced to take the next step," Datke warned.
Law & Order Response: Curfew Imposed in Multiple Areas
To prevent further violence, Nagpur Police have imposed a curfew across several localities under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Areas under curfew include:
Kotwali
Ganeshpeth
Tehsil
Lakadganj
Pachpaoli
Shantinagar
Sakkardara
Nandanvan
Imamwada
Yashodharanagar
Kapilnagar
The restrictions will remain in place until further notice. Anyone violating the curfew faces strict action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
What’s Next?
With tensions escalating, Maharashtra now faces serious political and law enforcement challenges: Will the police identify and arrest those responsible for the violence? How will the BJP-led government handle opposition backlash? Will the demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb fuel further unrest?
With social media under strict monitoring and security forces on high alert, the Nagpur violence remains a critical issue that could impact Maharashtra’s political landscape ahead of elections.