Protests demanding the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s grave turned violent. As a result, authorities imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in several areas. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal announced that restrictions would remain until further notice.
Affected Areas
The curfew applies to Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Shantinagar, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. Consequently, police have restricted movement in these areas to maintain order.
Protest Triggers Unrest
On March 17, over 200 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. They protested and demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Later, by 7:30 pm, around 80 to 100 people assembled in Bhaldarpura, further escalating tensions. According to authorities, the crowd disrupted public order, blocked roads, and caused distress. Therefore, police enforced a curfew under Section 163 to prevent further violence.
Curfew Rules and Penalties
The order states: “During the lockdown period, no person should go out of the house for any reason other than medical emergencies, nor should more than five people gather inside it. Also, orders are passed to prohibit spreading any kind of rumour, prohibiting doing all such acts.”
In addition, police can close roads in affected areas to maintain peace. Violators will face punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
However, exemptions apply to police officers, government employees, students appearing for essential exams, and fire brigade personnel.
Violence in Hansapuri and Mahal
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Nagpur’s Hansapuri area. Unidentified individuals vandalized shops, set vehicles on fire, and threw stones. Earlier, a dispute between two groups in Mahal had already increased tensions.
An eyewitness described the Hansapuri attack: “A team arrived here with their faces covered by scarves. They were armed with sharp weapons, stickers, and bottles. They initiated the chaos, vandalized shops, and threw stones, as well as setting vehicles ablaze.”
Police Action and Assurance
Despite the unrest, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal assured that the situation was under control.
“The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned, followed by people gathering. We requested them to disperse, and we even took action in this regard. 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,” he said.
Furthermore, he explained the timeline of the violence. “This incident occurred around 8-8:30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched. We are assessing the damage. Two vehicles have been torched, and stone pelting has occurred. Police are conducting combing operations, and those involved are being identified and arrested. We have imposed Section 144, and everyone has been instructed not to step out unnecessarily or take the law into their own hands. Do not believe in rumours. Except for this area, the entire city is peaceful.”
Overall, police continue to monitor the situation and take strict action against those responsible.
