Nagpur: Curfew imposed in several areas of Maharashtra's Nagpur city after a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb triggered violence. As per latest reports, over 12 police personnel, including three DCPs (deputy commissioners of police), were injured in the violence, which erupted on Monday evening in central Nagpur. The police have arrested 15 persons in connection with the violence, an official told news agency PTI.
Notably, the curfew has been imposed in areas under the jurisdiction of Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar and Kapil Nagar police stations, the city police said on Tuesday.
Violence erupted in Nagpur on Monday
Violence erupted in central Nagpur's Chitnis Park area in Mahal on Monday around 7.30 pm, with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, officials earlier said.
Several persons were injured in the incident, they had said. Another clash broke out in Hansapuri area near the Old Bhandara Road between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. An unruly mob burnt several vehicles, and vandalised houses and a clinic in the area.
Fadnavis, Gadkari urge for peace
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister from Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari, have appealed for peace and harmony in the wake of the violence.
What led to violence in Nagpur?
The violence started after rumours of the desecration of a holy book during a demonstration in Nagpur by right-wing groups seeking the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb appear to have sparked the violence in the city. Many cars were torched in large-scale arson and vandalism as two communities clashed in Nagpur, prompting police to fire tear gas and resort to lathi charges to bring the situation under control.
Curfew in Nagpur: Check list of restrictions
- During the curfew, the area's DCP concerned would decide on vehicular movement as per the need, the police said.
- The order from The administration stated that the police have imposed a "communication ban (curfew)" in affected areas under Section 163 to prevent further incidents and maintain peace.
- During the lockdown period, no person should go out of the house for any reason other than medical reasons, nor should more than five people gather inside it.
- Spreading any kind of rumour is strictly prohibited.
- Police have been authorised to close roads in affected areas to maintain law and order.
- Anyone violating the curfew "remains punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)."
- Restrictions "will not be applicable to police officers/employees on duty as well as government/administrative officers/employees, students appearing for essential services, and persons related to the fire brigade and various departments."