Violence in Nagpur amid calls for razing Aurangzeb's tomb

According to police, rumours spread that the Quran was burnt during the agitation calling for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. Videos of the Bajrang Dal demonstration quickly went viral on social media, leading to outrage among members of the Muslim community.

Nagpur: Arson and large-scale clashes between two groups were reported in Maharashtra’s Nagpur on Monday night, hours after right-wing outfits in the city launched a campaign demanding the razing of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Heavy stone-pelting, torching of vehicles and attack on public and private properties were reported, especially in the city’s Mahal area.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the affected places, police officials said.

Around a dozen persons have been rounded up, when reports last came in. Around 10 police personnel were also injured. The violence also spread to areas like Chitnis Park.

Teams of Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force have been deployed in the violence-hit areas.

Condemning the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said his government was constantly monitoring the situation.

“What has happened in Nagpur is very improper…it is wrong…Nagpur is a peaceful city and is known for its culture...I have told the police commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary to maintain law and order. If someone riots or pelts police with stones or creates tension, strict action should be taken,” said Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who represents Nagpur in the Lok Sabha, urged the public to maintain peace. “I request people to maintain peace and do not believe in rumours. Please cooperate with the administration, foster love and maintain a positive atmosphere in the city,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant accused the BJP of “fuelling trouble during Ramzan”.

Meanwhile, the district administration in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, earlier known as Aurangabad, has beefed up security at the Mughal emperor’s tomb.

A State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) company of 50 policemen, 30 personnel from local police and 20 Home Guards have been deployed at various points and the grave, said officials on Monday.

Besides, visitors have to furnish their identity cards before entering the site located in Khuldabad.

The tomb of Aurangzeb (1618 – 1707), the sixth and longest-reigning Mughal emperor, is an unmarked grave inside a dargah complex and comes under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The development comes in the backdrop of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal announcing a 'Babri Masjid-type' agitation seeking the tomb's removal.

The demand, coinciding with the birth anniversary celebrations of legendary Maratha warrior king Shivaji, is likely to get louder in the coming days.

Several leaders of the ruling BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have supported the demand. However, Fadnavis has said the tomb is under ASI protection. "It is the state's duty to protect it…however, glorification of Aurangzeb would not be tolerated," he said in the Bhiwandi town of Thane district after dedicating a temple in honour of Shivaji.

On the other hand, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane invoked the demolition of Babri masjid and asked Hindutva outfits to do their "duty" while the government will carry out its responsibilities.

"The government will do its part while Hindutva outfits must do theirs. When Babri Masjid was being demolished, we did not sit and talk to each other. Our karsevaks did what was appropriate," Rane, known for making controversial statements, said.

Right-wing leaders have issued a warning to the state and Central governments that if they failed to remove the grave, which they termed as a symbol of "pain and slavery", "karsevaks" would do it.

The VHP secretary in-charge of Maharashtra and Goa, Govind Shende, said "the movement" will be taken forward step by step, starting with public awareness initiatives.

Reacting to the demand, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the tomb of Aurangzeb is a reminder of Maratha bravery. "Shivaji Maharaj was a brave warrior and he fought to establish Swarajya. Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra tells about the bravery of the Marathas. It reminds us that the Mughals could not defeat the Marathas," he said.

With PTI inputs