Nagpur violence: Devendra Fadnavis says 'Chhaava' ignited anger against Aurangzeb

Devendra Fadnavis blamed Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava for igniting anger in people against Aurangzeb as clashes in Nagpur left 30 injured.

In Short

• Fadnavis spoke about Nagpur violence in state Assembly
• The Chief Minister blamed Chhava for igniting anger in people
• Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava is biopic of Chhatrapati Sambhaji

"Chhaava movie ignited people's anger against Aurangzeb," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while speaking about Nagpur clashes in the state Assembly. At least 30 people were injured, and several vehicles were charred during the violent clashes that broke out in Hansapuri and Mahal areas of the city on Monday evening.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the "planned attack" claim by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and assured that strict action will be taken against those involved in the clashes.

"Chhaava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful," he said blaming the Vicky Kaushal-starrer biopic movie of Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

Speaking in the Assembly on Nagpur violence, he added, "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt....It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands."

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde condemned the Nagpur violence, calling it a pre-planned attack aimed at spreading communal unrest.

"The incident which took place in very unfortunate. Around 2,000 to 3,000 people gathered and attacked the houses in Mominpura, Chitnis Nagar, and other areas. They pelted stones and attacked them... Does this mean that this was pre-planned... Not only did they attack the common people, but they also attacked police officials. Such people are trying to spread communal violence. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis is closely monitoring the investigation and any of the persons behind this will not be spared," said Shinde.

CURFEW IN NAGPUR

Meanwhile, a political row erupted with Opposition leaders blaming the state and Central governments for the law and order situation in the city.

Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury gave a suspension notice in Rajya Sabha over the ‘complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order’ in the Maharashtra district.

"That this house do suspend zero hour and relevant rules relating Question Hour and other scheduled business to deliberate on the complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order in Nagpur, Maharashtra. In its 300 years of dynamic existence, Nagpur has never experienced riots," read the notice.

A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur after violence broke out on Monday evening over a call to move the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb out of Maharashtra. Over 60 rioters were taken into custody, and about 30 vehicles were set on fire after a massive clash between two groups in the Mahal area of the city.