Nagpur Locals Recall Horror Night as Mob Tries to Barge into Homes, Throws Stones

Locals of Nagpur Remember Horror Night as Mob Attempted to Barge into Households, Throw Stones

Violence Erupts in Nagpur Following Rumors of Holy Book Desecration During Protest Against Aurangzeb’s Tomb Nagpur witnessed a night of terror as two communities clashed following a call by right-wing outfits to remove the tomb of Aurangzeb. Residents of Chitnis Park and Hansapuri described terrifying instances as mobs ran amok in the heart of Nagpur, stoning houses, burning vehicles and motorcycles, and leaving destruction in their wake. The spiraling violence led to restrictions on mass gatherings being imposed by the authorities.

Some schools were closed on Tuesday, and police reinforcements were deployed in the affected zones to ensure law and order.

How the Violence Unfolded

The violence had started after 7 pm in response to hearsay that a sacred book of one community was defiled as part of the protest by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who had gathered to insist that Aurangzeb’s mausoleum be pulled down. Soon enough, things went out of hand, leaving more than 30 individuals injured, including the police.

People who live in Chitnis Park informed PTI that the crowd entered the neighborhood, breaking into houses by hurling stones, shattering water coolers and window glass, and attacking parked cars. Various vehicles and bikes parked within the locality were burned. While chaos prevailed, the people took things into their hands, coordinating to have the flames doused by water when violence was quelled.

Another bout of violence at about 10:30 pm took place in the Hansapuri locality close to Old Bhandara Road, when a clinic was attacked and looted by a violent mob.

Eyewitness Accounts

One of the residents of the affected locality, Vansh Kawle, narrated how masked men broke CCTV cameras and tried to enter houses. Another resident narrated that the mob entered a medical center, turning over tables and breaking medicines.

Sharad Gupta (50), another victim, reported that four of his two-wheelers were burnt, and huge stones were thrown at houses in the vicinity. Gupta, who was injured during the attack, estimated the violence to have lasted close to an hour, between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm.

Government’s Response

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his address to the Assembly, termed the violence as a conspiracy. He said, “Rumors were spread that things containing religious content were burnt. It looks like a well-planned attack.”

The authorities are still probing the incident, while police deployment is still on high alert in Nagpur to avoid further escalation. The incident has raised eyebrows regarding communal harmony and the effect of violence caused by misinformation in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story