Nagpur violence: Curfew removed, relaxed in 10 out of 11 police station areas

Nagpur: Curfew imposed in 10 out 11 police station areas of Nagpur following violence on March 17 has been either removed or eased, a senior police official said on Saturday.

While commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singhal had initially lifted restrictions in Nandanvan and Kapilnagar, this evening he ordered removal of curfew from Panchpavali, Shantinagar, and Lakadganj under Zone 3, along with Sakkardara and Imamwara under Zone 4, the official said.

Curfew, however, continues to remain in force in Kotwali, Tehsil, and Ganeshpeth police station areas under Zone 3 with relaxation between 7pm and 10 pm for people to make essential purchases, he said.

"Curfew in Yashodharanagar police station area under Zone 5 remains without relaxation following the death of Irfan Ansari, who was injured in the March 17 violence," the official said.

Ansari (40), a welder by profession, died in hospital on Saturday, police said. He had left home around 11 pm that day to catch a train to Itarsi. As per his family, they do not know how he got injured while heading for the railway station.

The official said those violating curfew norms will face action under section 223 (disobeying orders from public servant) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

"Essential services, government employees, and students appearing for exams are exempted," he added.

Large-scale stone pelting and arson were reported in several parts of Nagpur on March 17 over rumours that a `chadar' with holy inscriptions was burnt during the VHP protest. Authorities subsequently claimed that the rumours were baseless, and were spread mischievously.

Thirty-three police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers, were injured in the violence. Seven persons were arrested on Saturday in connection with the violence, taking the total number of people held to 112.