Curfew Imposed in Nagpur After Communal Tensions

Over Demands for Removal of Aurangzeb’s Tomb

March 19, 2025

Representative image

Curfew was imposed for the second consecutive day in Nagpur, Maharashtra, following communal tensions sparked by demands from Hindu nationalist groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, to remove the tomb of 17th-century Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The groups argued that Aurangzeb’s legacy was emblematic of historical oppression against Hindus.

The release of the Bollywood film “Chhava,” depicting the execution of Maratha ruler Sambhaji by Aurangzeb, further inflamed sentiments, according to media reports. The film is centred on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

On March 17, activists from VHP and Bajrang Dal reportedly organised a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Nagpur’s Mahal area. During this protest, they allegedly burned an effigy of Aurangzeb and chanted slogans advocating for the demolition of his tomb. Unverified rumours soon circulated that the Quran had been desecrated during the demonstration, which heightened tensions among the local Muslim community.

The rumours led to mobilisations from both communities. In areas like Chitnis Park, Hansapuri and Mahal, clashes erupted, with mobs reportedly throwing stones and petrol bombs. 

The violence resulted in injuries to dozens of individuals, including police officers, one of whom was in serious condition. Several houses, vehicles and establishments were vandalised, and a clinic in Hansapuri suffered damage.

To contain the situation, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the affected areas and enforced a ban on large gatherings. 

Over 50 individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest, and five First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered. 

During the chaos, allegations emerged of misconduct. An FIR claimed that a female police officer was molested, with the accused making obscene gestures and misbehaving with other women, including police personnel.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, of the Bharatiya Janata Party, condemned the violence, describing it as a “planned incident” and warned that those who attacked police personnel would face strict action. He said specific houses and establishments were targeted by the mob.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the police are investigating whether the incident was a pre-planned conspiracy.

The Indian Express quoted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut as saying, “The RSS and its sister organizations are adept at fanning flames and provoking people on such issues. And yesterday we saw violence in Nagpur. The city has a history of over 300 years and it has never seen communal disturbances. Nagpur is Fadnavis’s own city, and the violence is a gross failure of his government and the Home Ministry (which the CM heads).”

Raut added, “Some people have said they will desecrate Aurangzeb’s tomb. Who has stopped them (from doing so)? It is their own government in the state, they don’t need to riot. Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, they should all go and dig it up. They should issue an ordinance, a government resolution, and destroy his tomb if they wish to do so. Why shy away from that (if they are serious about it)?”