Aurangzeb row: How rumours of burning of religious content led to Nagpur violence

Nagpur violence: Several vehicles were torched in large-scale arson and vandalism as two communities clashed in Nagpur. The administration has banned large gatherings.

In Short

• Nearly 30 police personnel injured in Nagpur violence
• Incident happened as right-wing groups demanded removal of Aurangzeb's tomb
• Nagpur fortified, large gatherings banned in several areas

Rumours of burning of religious content during a demonstration in Nagpur by right-wing groups seeking the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb appear to have sparked the violence on Monday. Several vehicles 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.

Stones were also thrown at the homes of residents in Chitnis Park and Mahal area. Nearly 30 police personnel have been injured in the violence, with the administration clamping prohibitory orders banning large gatherings. Police said over 60 rioters had been detained.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking in the Assembly, said the violence was "planned". "Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt... It looks like a well-planned attack," Fadnavis said.

HOW THE VIOLENCE BROKE OUT IN NAGPUR

Between 7-9 am, devotees organised a Shiv Jayanti program in front of the statue of Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mahal area.

Around noon, around 40-50 workers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal held a demonstration demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. During the protest, the demonstrators covered an effigy of the Mughal emperor with a 'chadar' and set it on fire.

Amid this, rumours of the burning of religious content started to spread, and several videos circulated on social media.

Between 5 pm and 7 pm, several youths from the Muslim community started gathering in the area and shouted slogans. In a short span, thousands of youths came out on the streets and started pelting stones at the police.

Around 7.30 pm, the violence escalated rapidly. Cars and bikes were set on fire and stones were thrown at several houses in the area. A crane was also set afire. The police initially resorted to baton charges, but when the situation escalated, they fired tear gas shells.

Initially, over 25 rioters were taken into custody. Around 5-6 civilians sustained injuries.

The Maharashtra Police's cyber wing has started an investigation into more than 100 social media accounts that allegedly fanned the flames.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to heed to rumours in view of old videos being circulated online.