Nagpur Violence Highlights: RSS says Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is 'irrelevant'; 54 detained by police

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: On the Nagpur incident, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane said, as quoted by ANI, "...Abu Azmi is responsible for this... He started this issue... This was a preplanned violence to defame the government...We will not spare those who raise their hands on our police personnel... strict action will be taken in this matter..."

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: On violence, Nagpur CP Ravinder Singal appealed for peace and urged people not to believe the rumours. Speaking to media, as quoted by PTI, he said, "The incident that happened yesterday, it was between two groups. A photograph was burnt, then it was put on social media. A delegation had visited us and they wanted us to take action, FIR was registered, we were acting. But in the evening, the two groups came in front of each other, sloganeering happened, stones were pelted, police were there, there was action. Five cases have been registered, more than 50 persons were arrested. Action is going on. We want to appeal for peace, I want to urge people not to believe the rumours, and want to request them to report anything suspicious they encounter."

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis speaks on video call with Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam, who was injured in Nagpur violence and wished him speedy recovery.

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council, Ambadas Danve, in a video statement on Monday night said, "I am clearly stating that the Maharashtra government and state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home department portfolio, are behind the Nagpur violence."

"This government has made efforts for the last one month to stoke Hindu-Muslim violence in the state. Such violence would disrupt the daily life of Hindus as well as Muslims, but (the government) wants to reap political benefits out of it. The BJP and its associated organisations are trying to disrupt the harmony in the state," he alleged. (PTI)

On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "This violent incident and riots seem to be pre-planned."

"Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful." (ANI)

On Nagpur violence, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi says, "In last few weeks, the statements which the CM and other ministers of Maharashtra government are giving, that need to be seen. The biggest provocative statements are coming from the government... They don't even realise their responsibility that they are ministers and CM... They burned effigies of a certain emperor in the entire Maharashtra; there was no reaction and they did not like this. So they wrote verses of the Quran on a piece of cloth and burnt it. The Hindus and Muslims complained to the DCP when this was happening... They took no action. The violence happened after that... This is the failure of the government and the intelligence..."

More than 50 persons have been taken into custody and five FIRs registered in connection with the violence in Maharashtra's Nagpur city, police commissioner Ravinder Singal said on Tuesday.

Violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday evening, 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 Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb (located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district), officials earlier said. (PTI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the violence in Nagpur appears to be a premeditated conspiracy and the mob had targeted specific houses and establishments.

Curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur city after a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb on Monday triggered violence during which several houses and vehicles were vandalised. (PTI)

Calling the Nagpur violence "unfortunate," Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday appealed to the people to maintain peace in the state and said that the police are investigating if the incident was a "pre-planned conspiracy."

"The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. 4 DCP level officers were injured in this incident. The CM is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the Police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace," Eknath Shinde told reporters.

On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "This violent incident and riots seem to be pre-planned."

"Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful." (ANI)

Nagpur Violence LIVE updates: ‘Those who attacked police will not be spared,’ warns Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, "The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. 4 DCP level officers were injured in this incident. The CM is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the Police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace."

On Nagpur violence, BJP MP Ashok Chavan says, "This is a sad incident. Police have brought the situation under control, but it is not right to have communal riots on such issues in the country, it is not right in a progressive state like Maharashtra. The government has brought the entire situation under control... Police have detained many people. The truth will come out after investigation..."

On Nagpur violence, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi says, "Govt is handling the situation very well and such things should not happen... It is not about this party or that party, whoever has done wrong, Maharashtra govt is taking action against them."

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal says, "The situation is under control and peaceful in Nagpur. More than 50 people have been taken into custody. We are identifying those who harmed public property. 33 police personnel were injured in the incident. The Police had done a good job. Action will be taken against all those who are being identified. All relevant sections will be applied against the violators of the law. There are police and forces deployed in Nagpur. Curfew is imposed in parts of Nagpur. To prevent such an incident from occurring again, a meeting will be held with relevant people."

On Nagpur violence, UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar says, "Such chaos is created by some anarchist elements that do not have respect for the society and they should not be spared..."

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council, Ambadas Danve, in a video statement on Monday night said, "I am clearly stating that the Maharashtra government and state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home department portfolio, are behind the Nagpur violence."

"This government has made efforts for the last one month to stoke Hindu-Muslim violence in the state. Such violence would disrupt the daily life of Hindus as well as Muslims, but (the government) wants to reap political benefits out of it. The BJP and its associated organisations are trying to disrupt the harmony in the state," he alleged. (PTI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat on Tuesday morning called for people in the country to "stay together in harmony".

She said that the public must understand facts and not pay heed to rumours.

"There are some people in the country who take advantage. I appeal to the public to understand the facts and not pay attention to rumours, and to stay together harmoniously," Sehrawat told ANI.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: "The central government is weak. I believe that the central government is incapable of preventing such incident. They (BJP) are trying to divide the society on religion, cast lines. People responsible for partition of the country are now sitting in power," said RJP MP Sudhakar Singh

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Amid the demand by some right-wing outfits for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra, BSP chief Mayawati on Tuesday said it is not right to damage anyone's grave as this has been spoiling the peace and harmony in the state.

Mayawati also said the government should take strict action against such unruly elements, especially in violence-hit Nagpur.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also targeted the Devendra Fadnavis-led government over the violence in Nagpur on Monday, and claimed Maharashtra is being strategically led towards making the state unattractive for investment, to help the neighbouring state to take advantage (in apparent reference to Gujarat).

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: On Nagpur violence, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat says, “I appeal to the public to understand the facts and not pay attention to rumours, and stay together harmoniously.”

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan said the party condemns “every such violence”.

“Maharashtra govt should probe why such violence happened. There are certain people in BJP, who keep spreading hatred...we kept saying there should be action against such people...BJP is diverting attention by taking up an issue of 400-year-old Aurangzeb,” he said.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: BJP MLA (Nagpur Central) Pravin Datke told ANI that after an agitation yesterday morning, an incident took place at Ganesh Peth police station, then everything was normal. However, later, the mob entered only Hindu houses and shops.

“First, all the cameras were broken and then the violence was carried out with weapons in a preplanned manner... I spoke to the CP (Commissioner of Police), this is a sensitive area... We called PI Sanjay Singh for two hours but his phone was off... We had been reaching out to the police. When the police reached here, everything was done here,” Datke said.

Nagpur, Maharashtra: A local from the Hansapuri area says, " They vandalised shops...they set fire to 8-10 vehicles"

Maharashtra: Morning visuals from the Mahal area of Nagpur, where a clash took place last night following a dispute between two groups.

According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)

Speaking to ANI, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal said, "The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned, following which people gathered, we requested them, and we even took action in this respect. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR had been lodged based on the names they mentioned and action would be taken against them..."

An eyewitness and local from Hansapuri area says, "A team came here, their faces were hidden with scarfs. They had sharp weapons, stickers and bottles in their hands. They started the ruckus, vandalised shops and pelted stones. They also torched vehicles." (ANI)

A local from the Hansapuri area says, " They vandalised shops...they set fire to 8-10 vehicles."

Vehicles set on fire and stones pelted in Nagpur’s Hansapuri area.

Authorities are yet to provide further information on the incident.

In an earlier clash, violence had broken out in Mahal area.

Congress MP Shyamkumar Barve says, "The kind of attempt is being, a Hindu-Muslim clash has never happened in Nagpur. I want to appeal to both communities to maintain peace...an attempt is being made to divert attention from key issues through such incidents."

An eyewitness and local from Hansapuri area says, "A team came here, their faces were hidden with scarfs. They had sharp weapons, stickers and bottles in their hands. They started the ruckus, vandalised shops and pelted stones. They also torched vehicles." (ANI)

Vishal Prakashbapu Patil, Independent MP From Sangli, says, "I would appeal to everyone to maintain peace...communal violence is always made to happen for political benefits. Those who are encouraging this, I want to tell them, Muslims in Maharashtra have no attachment towards Aurangzeb...so this should not be made a religious issue."

"The incident that happened in Nagpur is very saddening. Hatred must not be spread in the country...," says Congress MP Imran Masood.

"Police are mute spectators, what will they do? This is happening under the watch of the Police only...it is the home of the CM so he should see what is happening...if you spread hatred, the peace in the country will be disturbed and development won't happen...if they have formed govt, they should work for the welfare of people but they are digging up 400-year-old issues."

Pyare Khan, Chairman, Maharashtra Minority Commission, says, "It is a very unfortunate incident, such an incident should not have happened in Nagpur because this is a place of saints...during Ram Navami, here, Muslims people set up tents to welcome Hindus...there is a Dargah here were Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, people from all religions visits...those people who are involved in this violence are not people from here (Nagpur). Some anti-social elements came from outside and they did the violence...I appeal to everyone to maintain peace...violence doesn't benefit anyone."

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "Stones were pelted, and the police were attacked. This is very wrong, and I am monitoring the situation. I have directed the Police Commissioner to take strict action to maintain law and order and restore peace."

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Congress leader Pawan Kherasaid, “Riot broke out in Mahal area of Nagpur, the hometown of Maharashtra CM. Nagpur is a 300-year-old city. In these 300 years of history, no riot has occurred in Nagpur. We should all ask why such a situation formed.”

Blaming right wing party BJP, Pawan Khera said, “There is BJP in power in both Centre and State. If VHP and Bajrang Dal organised a protest demanding the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb, did the Government make no arrangements to maintain law and order?”

"Congress party and all of us appeal to the people of Nagpur to maintain peace. A game is being played and the 300-year-old history is being turned into an issue. Don't fall victim to this game, maintain peace, as that is in our interest. A few political parties provocate people and think that their political interests lie in this. We have to avoid such politics. Peace is important for us." the Congress leader added. 

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Maharashtra Minister and State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule told reporters, “First priority is to restore peace in society and keep it away from rumours. An investigation will later reveal why the unrest occurred. But the people of Nagpur should not believe rumours and support Police administration. Police are trying to maintain peace. All of us have urged everyone to maintain peace and uphold the prestige of Nagpur”.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Viral Video of JCBs set on fire during the protests

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Video of Fire Burning in Nagpur amid communal tension

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: "Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. The city's history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any kind of rumours and to maintain peace. Do not come out on the streets. Cooperate with the law and order system. Preserve the tradition of peace and harmony that Nagpur is known for," Nitin Gadkari  said.

He further assured that strict action would be taken against those involved in any illegal activities.

"I assure you all that the government will take action against those who have committed mistakes or engaged in illegal activities. The Chief Minister has already been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours. Please cooperate with the police administration, foster love, and maintain a positive atmosphere in the city. This is my humble request to all of you," he said.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: In strong remarks against caste-based politics, Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said that nobody should be discriminated over caste, religion, language or sex.

"Jo karega jaat ki baat, usko kaske marunga laat (I will kick hard anyone who talks about caste)," the senior BJP leader said, while addressing the convocation ceremony of Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur on Saturday.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said Monday's violence in Nagpur was the failure of the state home department, adding that ministers were "deliberately making provocative speeches" over the last few days.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Nagpur Police has issued prohibitory orders in the city after the stone painting and arson incident in Mahal area. More than 20 have been detained till now. Police are looking into the CCTV footage and other video clips available with them to identify the culprits, an FIR in the matter is under process. 

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal says, "The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned following which people gathered, they made a request and we even took action in this respect. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR has been lodged based on the names they mentioned and action will be taken against them...This (today's violence) incident occurred around 8-8.30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched. We are taking an assessment of the same. Two vehicles have been torched and stone pelting had occurred...Police is undertaking combing action and those involved are being identified and arrested...We have imposed Sec 144 and everyone has been told to not step out unnecessarily or take law in their hands. Do not believe rumours. Except this area, the entire city is peaceful..."

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Police undertake combing operation in Mahal. Tensions broke out in Mahal area of ​​Nagpur following a dispute between two groups.

Those involved are being identified and arrested. Section 144 has been imposed. Police have directed people not to step out unnecessarily.

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Tensions escalated in Nagpur as violent clashes erupted, resulting in stone-pelting and arson, according to a fire department official.

Speaking to the media, a fire officer said, “On one side, we have the public, and on the other, the administration is trying to control the situation. Two JCBs were burnt. There is stone pelting, and one of our officers has been injured.”

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis issued a strong worded message amid communal tensions over ‘rumours’ of burning Quran by Bajrang Dal and VHP in Mahal area of Nagpur. 

CM Fadnavis said, "The manner in which the situation became tense in Mahal area of Nagpur is highly condemnable. A few people pelted stones, even at the Police. This is wrong. I am keeping an eye on the situation. I have told the Police Commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary to maintain law and order. If someone riots or pelts stones at Police or creates tensions in society, strict action should be taken against all such people. I appeal to everyone to behave to ensure that the peace of Nagpur is not disturbed. If someone attempts to create tension, very strict action will be taken against them."

Nagpur Riots Today LIVE: A local, Sunil Peshne, whose car was set on fire in the violence, said, "This incident happened around 8.30 pm. A mob of 500-1000 people pelted stones. They even torched our car...They vandalised around 25-30 vehicles."

His family member Madhuri Peshne said, "They were running around with stones. They pelted stones at our house, even at children on the upper floor. They damaged our doors and windows. They torched our car...There were around 1000 people in the crowd..."