Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the violence in Nagpur appeared to be premeditated, with the mob targeting specific houses. He attributed the heightened emotions to the film Chhaava, which he said reignited public anger against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Vicky Kaushal-starrer depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was tortured and killed by Aurangzeb.
Curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur after the violence on Monday, which was triggered by protests against Aurangzeb’s tomb. Several houses and vehicles were vandalised, and 33 police personnel, including three deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), were injured.
One senior officer was attacked with an axe. Five civilians were also injured, one of whom is in intensive care.
“After the movie, people’s emotions have been reignited. The anger against Aurangzeb is being exhibited in a big way,” Fadnavis said in the legislative assembly.
He accused the mob of deliberately targeting specific homes and establishments, suggesting the violence was planned. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed these claims, alleging a conspiracy to target a particular community.
Fadnavis detailed the timeline of events, stating that at 11:30 am on Monday, activists from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal held a protest in the Mahal area, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Protesters symbolically burned a grave made of hay. Later, a case was registered against the activists under sections related to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
By the evening, rumours spread that a religiously significant item had been burnt during the protest.
Around 200-300 people gathered, shouting slogans and threatening violence. Police used mild force to disperse the crowd. While some protesters were taken to the Ganesh Peth police station to lodge complaints, another group of 200-300 individuals began stone pelting in the Hansapuri area, covering their faces and using sharp weapons.
At 7:30 pm, a crowd of 80-100 people attacked the police in Bhaldarpura, leading to the use of tear gas and additional force. A crane and two JCB machines were set on fire.
Fadnavis said three cases were registered at the Ganesh Peth station, with two more at the Tehsil station. Curfew remains in effect in areas under the jurisdiction of 11 police stations.
“A trolley full of stones was recovered, indicating pre-planned intent. Some houses and establishments were deliberately targeted,” he said. He assured strict action against those responsible, particularly those who attacked the police.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Pravin Datke, representing Nagpur Central, claimed the violence was a targeted act against Hindus. “It was a well-planned act, with homes and shops of a particular community targeted, not Muslims,” he alleged. Datke called for an examination of CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.
VHP Vidarbha Prant Sah Mantri Devesh Mishra stated that the VHP would not tolerate any glorification of Aurangzeb. He dismissed claims that a chadar with holy inscriptions was burnt during the protests.
Mishra also reiterated the demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, calling for the construction of memorials for Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and Maratha generals Dhanaji Jadhav and Santaji Ghorpade in its place.
The state government has directed law enforcement to restore order, with the Director General of Police holding a video conference with local officials. Authorities continue to investigate the incidents, promising strict measures against the perpetrators.
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