Curfew declared in Nagpur areas following violence on row on Aurangzeb’s tomb
Violence erupted in Nagpur on Monday due to rumors that a sacred book had been defiled during a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb.
A curfew has been clamped in various areas of Nagpur after violence erupted in the city on Monday in response to rumours that a holy book was desecrated during a protest demanding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb‘s tomb in Khuldabad.
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal ordered the restrictions on Monday evening under Section 163 (power to order in urgent case of nuisance or apprehended danger) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Police stated that restrictions would continue as long as directed.
Curfew has been put in force in all areas falling under the jurisdiction of Kotwali, Ganeshpet, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpavli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police stations. The order does not permit movement of people outside their homes, except for reasons of medical exigency.
The order also disallows a gathering of more than five individuals and prohibits the spread of rumours. Offenders will be dealt with under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the order says.
Four policemen were hurt and a number of vehicles were set on fire as riots erupted in Nagpur following rumors of a sacred book being defiled at a demonstration by more than 200 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in the city. The demonstrators, who were calling for the tomb of Aurangzeb to be removed, reportedly torched an effigy of the Mughal emperor but the incident gave rise to rumors of a holy book being desecrated.
When the news spread on social media, some 80-100 people congregated illegally and resorted to stone pelting on police staff, officials claimed. The police had to shoot tear gas shells and use a lathi charge to disperse a crowd at Chitnis Park and Mahal even while violence broke out at Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, officials informed.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also in charge of the Home portfolio, and Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari appealed to people to ensure peace and harmony.
The curfew order also excludes police officials, government servants, essential service personnel, fire brigade staff, and students who are sitting for examinations. The police have guaranteed that the situation is being closely watched and all necessary arrangements are being made to restore normalcy.
