Day after clashes, Nagpur limping back to normalcy

The clashes were preceded by rumours that the holy Quran was burned during the protest, triggering outrage within the Muslim community as videos of the demonstration circulated on social media platforms.

Mumbai: A day after the sudden clashes in Nagpur in the backdrop of the growing demand to raze the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, security was beefed up manifold in the town which is limping back to normalcy.

While Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed suspicion that it could be a "well-planned" attack, the police has launched massive investigations to track down the conspirators who had fuelled the riots.

The focal point of the clashes was the Mahal, considered the historic heart of Nagpur.

The headquarters of RSS, the ideological fountainhead of BJP, is located in the Mahal area - and hence, strict checking has been put in place at the roads leading there.

The violence on Monday evening, during the holy month of Ramzan, coincided with the birth anniversary of legendary Maratha warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“It looks like a well-planned attack,” Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said.

A total of five FIRs have been lodged in connection with the attacks.

As many as 33 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners of Police, were injured in the violence. “One DCP was attacked with an axe and was injured. One of the five civilians injured in the violence is in ICU. There was a pre-planned pattern behind the riots,” he added.

“Curfew has been imposed in the jurisdiction of 11 police stations and a number of entry points to the city have been sealed,” he said.

“Stones were brought in a trolley…weapons have been found,” the CM said.

Meanwhile, state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is also the Nagpur district’s Guardian Minister, visited the 'Orange City' and reviewed the security arrangements.

The Nagpur City Police Commissioner issued curfew order for some of the affected areas till the situation normalises.

These include police station areas of Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Panchpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

During the combing operations, the Nagpur police have detained over 80 persons. Besides, hundreds of social media accounts are being checked.

Three DCPs injured

DCP Niketan Kadam, who was bleeding profusely after being attacked with an axe on Monday night, has been admitted to a hospital.

DCP Shashikant Satav fractured his leg and was also admitted to the hospital. DCP Archit Chandak has suffered a serious ligament injury and was under medical examination.

DCP Rahul Madane was also hit by a stone but is currently on duty.