Nagpur violence updates: Probe underway, social media ‘monitored’, says commissioner

Nagpur violence updates: City Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal on Tuesday confirmed that the situation in Nagpur, where violence erupted last night over the demands seeking removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, had returned to normal.

Charred remains of a vehicle is seen after a clash broke out between two groups at Hansapuri area in Nagpur on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) (ANI Grab)

Nagpur violence updates: Nagpur Police on Tuesday said that over 50 people had been taken into custody in connection with the violence that broke out on the night of March 17. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage and social media posts to identify any additional suspects involved in the unrest, which followed rumours that a holy book was burned during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb....Read More

Follow all the updates here:

• 18 Mar 2025, 10:15:33 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: VHP member's take on what happened on Monday night

  Nagpur violence updates: Rajkumar Sharma, a member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, gave his version of the incident that led to violence in Nagpur on Monday night.

  Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal announced earlier that they will hold a protest...The protest was over the removal of the grave...There was a grave on which a green cloth was kept, if something is written on it in Urdu, how will one understand, many people don't understand Marathi even after living in Maharahstra...Usually, a green cloth is kept on the grave... When it was burnt, when it was broken, they unnecessarily made an issue out of it...The issue was discussed with the police administration. People from the Muslim community also understood it."

  "But whatever riots happened after that was planned by the 'Aurangzeb ki aulad'...They gathered in the mosque there; they planned to close their shops, loot the shops of Hindus and attack their houses. This was all planned, and an attempt was made to incite an issue which has no meaning... If the administration feels that the effigy of Aurangzeb was burnt, we have no objection to the administration's action...this country will run as per the Constitution...But these 'Aurangzeb ki aulad' should also understand that this country will run as per the Constitution... If they will get out on the streets, vandalize our homes, burn the vehicles, and destroy the temple, then why is no action being taken against them? Then the Hindu society must react to this by getting down on the streets," he added.

• 18 Mar 2025, 09:34:13 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Movies on World War II did not spark riots, says AIMIM leader

  Nagpur violence updates: AIMIM's Maharashtra president Imtiaz Jaleel on Tuesday, amid row over 'Chhaava' film ignited emotions in the state over Aurangzeb, said that a number of films have been made in western countries on World War II, but they did not lead to any riots.

  His statement came hours after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Nagpur violence seemed like a 'pre-meditated' incident, adding that "Chhaava" film reignited people's emotions against the Mughal emperor.

  Jaleel said, "Aurangzeb is not the only person who killed his own people to come to power. History also says that emperor Ashoka came to the throne after killing his brothers...which is not important. What is important is that Ashoka turned towards Buddhism."

  "The western countries preserved monuments related to World War II and the generations that came after that learnt lessons out of it. Numerous films were made in Europe over World War II, but it did not lead to any riots. This happened because films were made after thorough research which helped people to understand the importance of non-violence," Jaleel added.

• 18 Mar 2025, 09:11:01 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Call Nitish, Naidu when you raze Aurangzeb's tomb, says Uddhav

  Nagpur violence updates: Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed the BJP for raking up a "400-year-old" issue had said that the government in Maharashtra should remove the tomb of Mughal emperor but must call NDA partners Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu when that happens.

  “Raze Aurangzeb’s tomb immediately, but do call Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu when that happens,” Thackeray said.

  "If BJP has any issue with green colour, it should remove the green colour from their flag,” Thackeray said. “You tried to malign our party’s saffron flag and try to teach us Hindutva,” he added. Thackeray said Aurangzeb was born in Gujarat and was vanquished and died in Maharashtra.

• 18 Mar 2025, 09:05:47 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Security beefed up at the site of clash

  Nagpur violence updates: Security has been beefed up at the site where violence had broken out in Nagpur on Monday night.

  Visuals of heavy police deployment was seen in the area.

• 18 Mar 2025, 08:32:48 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: FIR against VHP, Bajrang Dal functionaries for 'hurting religious sentiments'

  Nagpur violence updates: A case has been filed against some office bearers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during their protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, a news agency PTI report said.

  The FIR was registered at the Ganeshpeth police station against Govind Shende, VHP's secretary-in-chare of Maharashtra and Goa, and others, officials said.

  The FIR was filed on the basis of a complaint that was lodged against the protesters after the violence broke out in Nagpur.

• 18 Mar 2025, 07:42:58 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Action for peace underway, social media monitored, says commissioner

  Nagpur violence updates: Nagpur police commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal told news agency ANI that they have registered case in connection with the violence that broke out in the region on Monday night, adding that they are also arresting people.

  "Our action to establish peace is continuing. Social media is being monitored and we are developing the information we are getting. Whether someone was conspiring this and how many people were involved in it is being investigated," Singal said.

• 18 Mar 2025, 07:40:54 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Failure of home department, says Maha Congress chief

  Nagpur violence updates: Maharashtra congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal on Tuesday slammed the Devendra Fadnavis-led home department of the state and said that Nagpur violence was a failure of the ministry.

  "This is a failure of the home department...Various cabinet ministers of the state government are also provoking the public...Action should be taken against those responsible and efforts should be made to ensure that again," Sapkal told news agency ANI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 07:33:26 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Police, security force conduct flag march in strife-torn area

  Nagpur violence updates: Police and security personnel on Tuesday evening conducted a flag march in the strife-torn area in Nagpur to reaffirm confidence in people that the situation was under control.

• 18 Mar 2025, 07:22:34 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Nobody wants such riots, says BJP's Bhagwat Karad

  Nagpur violence updates: BJP leader Bhagwat Karad said that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has categorially stated that the Maharashtra government will be working in accordance to the law in relation to the row over Aurangzeb's tomb.

  He also said that AIMIM's Asaddudin Owaisi's statement was 'wrong', adding that nobody wants any such riots.

  "CM Devendra Fadnavis has categorically stated that the government will be working as per law and will work to prevent riots. Owaisi talks wrong. Nobody wants such riots. Everybody is working for peace in Maharashtra," he told news agency PTI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 07:20:25 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Should stay away from signs who worked to erase India's culture, says Bihar dy CM

  Nagpur violence updates: Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described the violence in Nagpur as a "very sad" incident.

  Speaking to reporters, he said, "We should stay away from the symbols and signs related to people who worked to erase the country's culture. We all should work towards making India a respected, proud nation of the 21st century."

• 18 Mar 2025, 06:54:06 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: CM should blame both sides, says Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi chief

  Nagpur violence updates: Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar told news agency ANI that as per the information he received from his workers, "the effigy of the Mazar on which a green cloth was laid was burnt".

  "The first rumour was that the green Mazar was burned...Before the namaz could begin, a delegation went to the police commissioner and met him. And they informed him that there was a rumour which was being spread. Before the namaz is over, the police should have reacted to it," he added.

  Ambedkar further said, "The rumour was that the Quran was burnt... If the police had acted on these two reports, which they had, and made a statement that no Quran was burnt and no green cloth was burnt, I think the situation would have been a totally different one."

  He said that police alone should not be held responsible, adding that they are the ones who have to manage the show. "But the CM should blame both sides. What CM is doing CM is taking action against only one."

• 18 Mar 2025, 06:32:06 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: ‘Opposition reviving ideology of Aurangzeb,’ alleges BJP MP

  BJP MP Dinesh Sharma tells ANI, "...The opposition is reviving the ideology of Aurangzeb...Instead of promoting the ideology of Aurangzeb, they (Congress) should promote the ideology of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam...The main task is not to remove the tomb of Aurangzeb, but to remove the ideology of Aurangzeb which is in the mind of Congress and the opposition..."

• 18 Mar 2025, 06:15:46 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Cong MP calls incident 'diversion tactic'

  Congress MP Praniti Shinde criticised BJP over the Nagpur violence, alleging that the issue, was being used to divert attention from pressing concerns in Maharashtra.
  
  "The issue which is 300 years old is a diversion tactic as there are many issues in Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis as the Home Minister is a big failure and to hide it, these kinds of things are being done. Continuous efforts are made (by BJP) to instigate riots in Maharashtra and the nation. But the public of Maharashtra does not listen to them (BJP). They want to harm the social balance of Maharashtra," Shinde told ANI

• 18 Mar 2025, 06:12:40 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Main task to remove Aurangzeb ideology, says BJP MP

  Nagpur violence updates: BJP MP Dinesh Kadam accused the opposition of allegedly trying to revive the ideology of Aurangzeb, suggesting them that instead they should be promoting the ideology of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

  "The main task is not to remove the tomb of Aurangzeb, but to remove the ideology of Aurangzeb which is in the mind of Congress and the opposition," Sharma told news agency ANI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 05:59:29 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: DCP Niketan Kadam explains how he got injured

  Nagpur violence updates: DCP Niketan Kadam, who got injured in Nagpur violence, told news agency ANI as to what went down on Monday night and how he got injured.

  He said that a massive crowd had gathered, following stones were being pelted and vehicles were vandalised. "The way stones were being pelted from all sides, some of our officials have also been injured... A crowd of 100 people suddenly came from another street, they had weapons, they had petrol, they had sticks, so my team was there so my natural reaction was to stop them there or push them back otherwise anything could have happened," he said.

  Kadam further said, "So I moved forward and tried to stop them, some of them moved back but one of them had an axe, he came forward and attacked me and I got a deep injury on my hand. But thankfully no one from our team got hurt."

• 18 Mar 2025, 05:42:43 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Don't get provoked by anyone, says Samajwadi Party MLA

  Nagpur violence updates: Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi on Tuesday expressed regret over the violence that broke out in Nagpur and urged people to "not get provoked by anyone".

  "I am regretful and deeply saddened that Nagpur, where everyone was living with harmony, communal riots never occurred earlier, has witnessed such a major incident this time. Several people have been injured. I just want to say, do not get provoked by anyone. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and work towards the progress of the country," he said in a video message.

• 18 Mar 2025, 05:34:11 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Samajwadi Party MP accused BJP over incident

  Nagpur violence updates: Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj on Tuesday told news agency PTI, "Ever since BJP came to power, instead of spreading progressive thought, attempts to divide people are being made through movies, Aurangzeb and more. I wish everyone is safe after the violence."

• 18 Mar 2025, 05:18:41 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Double-engine govt has failed, says Uddhav Thackeray

  Nagpur violence updates: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday, speaking to reporters, told people to ask chief minister Devendra Fadnavis as to "who is behind this (violence)".

  Noting that the RSS headquarters is situated in Nagpur, Fadnavis said that the double-engine government in Maharashtra "has failed".

  "I am not the Chief Minister, nor am I the Home Minister, ask the Chief Minister who is behind this (violence). Because the RSS headquarters is there. There is a double-engine government here; if the double-engine government has failed, then they should resign...If you want, you can remove his (Aurangzeb's) grave, but call Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar during that time," Thackeray said.

• 18 Mar 2025, 05:02:41 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: BJP shameless since incident happened in Fadnavis' hometown, says Aaditya Thackeray

  Nagpur violence updates: Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday told reporters that the BJP is "shameless" over the violence in Nagpur because the incident took place in the hometown of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

  "Sadly, when the BJP cannot govern, they resort to violence, riots and this is their set formula in every state. If you look at Manipur, that is exactly what they want to convert Maharashtra to...They are trying to dig up the history of someone who lived 300-400 years ago, but they cannot speak about the future. They cannot speak about the present. The irony is that the grave is protected by the central government," he added.

• 18 Mar 2025, 04:49:31 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: VHP demands memorial for Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj in place of Aurangzeb tomb

  Nagpur violence updates: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Tuesday demanded that a memorial be built for Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and warriors Dhanaji Jadhav and Santaji Ghorpade in place of Aurangzeb's town in Maharashtra.

• 18 Mar 2025, 04:47:12 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: If incident pre-planned, then it is failure of govt, says Nana Patole

  Nagpur violence updates: Congress leader Nana Patole said that if chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is calling the violence in Nagpur to be a "pre-planned conspiracy", then it is clear that this is a "failure of the government and the police".

  "He (Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavi) himself is from Nagpur; if this incident is happening there, then it is the failure of the government... They don't believe in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; their only aim is to destroy Maharashtra...The government was involved in the incident in Nagpur," Patole told news agency ANI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 04:44:34 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Minister Nitesh Rane blames SP MLA for incident

  Nagpur violence updates: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Tuesday blamed Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for the violence in Nagpur, saying that it was a "pre-planned" violence meant to defame the state government.

  "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," Rane told media persons.

  Azmi had earlier reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a "cruel administrator" and "built many temples", adding that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was for state administration, not about Hindu and Muslim, a news agency ANI report said.

• 18 Mar 2025, 04:23:20 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Won't tolerate Aurangzeb's glorification, says VHP leader

  Nagpur violence updates: Vishwa Hindu Parishad's Devesh Mishra on Tuesday condemned the violence that broke out in Nagpur amid demands seeking to remove Aurangzeb's tomb and said that he "won't tolerate the glorification" of the Mughal emperor.

• 18 Mar 2025, 04:10:46 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Incident 'govt-sponspored', says Manoj Jarange

  Nagpur violence updates: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday claimed that violence in Nagpur was "sponsored" by the Maharashtra government, blaming chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for the unrest in the city.

  "This riot has been sponsored by government and Devendra Fadnavis," Jarange alleged while talking to reporters.

  "If they want to remove the Aurangzeb's grave, they are in power at the Centre and in the state. If the Congress made a mistake of protecting the structure earlier, now the rulers have a chance to correct it. This (violence) is just being done to make the poor people fight amongst themselves. The poor people should remain alert," he said.

• 18 Mar 2025, 04:01:52 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: 'Chhava' stoked people's sentiments, says Ramdas Athawale

  Nagpur violence updates: Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday said that the movie 'Chhava' stoked people's sentiments against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

  Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, Athawale said, "Demands are being raised about Aurangzeb's grave, a movement is going on. The grave has been there for 500 years, but after watching the Chhaava movie, the way he murdered Sambhaji Maharaj, that has made people angry."

  "That is why protests are happening. We appeal to the protesters that they should agitate peacefully. There should be no violence," he added.

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:52:29 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Oppn blames BJP for incident

  Nagpur violence updates: Opposition MPs on Tuesday blamed the BJP-led Maharashtra government for the violence that broke out in Nagpur over the demands seeking to remove the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

  AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that the violence was a part of a planned conspiracy, accused the BJP of "trying to spread hatred in Nagpur and the whole of Maharashtra for a long time".

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:41:18 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Aurangzeb a blot on history, says Eknath Shinde

  Nagpur violence updates: Speaking in the Maharashtra legislative council on Tuesday, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab, prompting a heated situation between the ruling and opposition sides.

  Shinde questioned as to who Aurangzeb is and why his glorification should be allowed in the state. "He is a blot on our history," he added.

  He also slammed Congress state chief Harshvardhan Sapkal for comparing CM Devendra Fadnavis with the Mughal emperor. "Did Fadnavis ever torture anyone the way Aurangzeb did to his enemies?" he questioned.

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:34:28 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Incident not so big, says NCP MP Praful Patel

  Nagpur violence updates: NCP MP Praful Patel, speaking to news agency ANI about the violence in Nagpur, said, "The incident that happened in Nagpur is unfortunate... Such an incident never happens in Nagpur because it is a very peaceful city and people live together in harmony. This incident is not so big that the opposition should make noise about it... They (opposition) should appeal to the public to maintain peace."

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:29:19 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: District Collector requests people 'to not spread rumours'

  Nagpur violence updates: District collector Dilip Swami on Tuesday said that the administration has requested people to "not spread rumours".

  Speaking to news agency ANI, Swami said, "The situation is peaceful in the district. Yesterday, Bajrang Dal members gave us a petition. The police force is on alert in the district. SP (superintendent of Police) and I are visiting sensitive areas in the district. The force is deployed in sensitive areas in Daulatabad and Khuldabad. We have requested that people not spread rumours. The police are monitoring social media."

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:22:55 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: 300-year-old issue is 'diversion tactic', says Congress MP

  Nagpur violence updates: Congress MP Praniti Shinde, in connection with the violence that broke out in Nagpur, said that the issue which is 300-years-old is a "diversion tactic" to move away from the "many issues" in Maharashtra.

  "Devendra Fadnavis as the Home Minister is a big failure and to hide it, these kinds of things are being done...Continuous efforts are made (by the BJP) to instigate riots in Maharashtra and the nation...But the public of Maharashtra does not listen to them (BJP)...They want to harm the social balance of Maharashtra," Shinde told news agency ANI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:22:47 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: VHP demands 'strictest action' against those responsible

  Nagpur violence updates: The Vishva Hindu Parishad on Tuesday condemned the violence that broke out in Nagpur on Monday night over the demand seeking to remove Aurangzeb's tomb.

  The outfit demanded the "strictest action" against those involved.

  Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) general secretary (organisation) Milind Parande alleged that "a section" of a particular community carried out attacks and arson.

  "Houses of our youth wing Bajrang Dal workers were attacked, they targeted many houses… The Vishva Hindu Parishad condemns all this in the strongest terms," he added.

  Parande further said, "It is extremely shameful that, on one hand, a lie was spread that the Hindu community had burnt the verses … on the other hand, a despicable attempt was made to incite violence. Strictest action should be taken against all such anti-social elements," a PTI report cited him.

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:13:17 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar slams Maha govt

  Nagpur violence updates: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government over the violence that broke out in Nagpur on Monday night.

  The violence was a result of clashes that took place during protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb.

  Wadettiwar claimed Nagpur violence to be a "government-sponsored incident". He also called for a ban against BJP leader T Raja Singh in the state, accusing him of "inciting violence". He accused the Mahayuti government in the state of promoting such people.

• 18 Mar 2025, 03:08:07 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: This is 'pre-planned' conspiracy, says Shrikant Shinde

  Nagpur violence updates: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde said that the violence is a result of "some people" not liking the good work of the Maharashtra government.

  "The schemes launched by the Maharashtra government are reaching the masses...Some people do not like good work; they want violence and some people are working every day to divide people in the name of religion," Shinde told news agency ANI.

  Resounding his father, deputy CM Eknath Shinde's statement and that of CM Devendra Fadnavis', Shrikant Shinde also said that the Nagpur violence is a "pre-planned conspiracy", adding that the state government is taking action against those involved in it.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:59:51 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: 5 cases, over 50 arrests | Latest on probe

  Nagpur violence updates: Nagpur commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal said that in connection with the violence that broke out in the city on Monday night, a total of five cases have been registered and more than 50 persons have been arrested.

  He said that further action is also underway.

  Speaking to news agency PTI, Singal 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," he added.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:57:16 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Dy CM Eknath Shinde urges Aurangzeb supporters to read history, watch 'Chhava'

  Nagpur violence updates: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said that those protesting against Aurangzeb's tomb are agitating for the pride of the Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

  He urged those "who support Aurangzeb" to read history and watch Vicky Kaushal's recent move "Chhava".

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:55:42 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Aurangzeb is a traitor, says dy CM Eknath Shinde

  Nagpur violence updates: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, speaking to reporters in Mumbai, termed Aurangzeb as a "traitor".

  "I will also say that even a true Muslim of the country will not support Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb was the enemy of Maharashtra, the enemy of the country...Aurangzeb is a traitor," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:54:11 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Sign of looters shouldn't be in India, says BJP MLA

  Nagpur violence updates: BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya told news agency, "The looters that came to India, looted temples, assaulted people for conversion... Sign of such looters should not be in India. Their tombs should be removed and statues of great kings and queens should be installed instead so that a great message does on to the new generation."

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:52:55 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: BJP wants to make Maharashtra 'next Manipur', says Aaditya Thackeray

  Nagpur violence updates: Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday attacked the BJP-led government in Maharashtra and claimed that the party was trying to make the state's situation similar to that of Manipur.

  He also questioned the Devendra Fadnavis-led government's handling of the Nagpur violence and pointed at the chief minister's office's (CMO) lack of response.

  "Why did the CMO not react when rumours of violence were spreading in Nagpur? Whenever such an incident is about to take place, the first report arrives at the Chief Minister of the state and the Home Department. Did they not have any information regarding this? I think the BJP wants to make Maharashtra the next Manipur," Thackeray told reporters.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:46:47 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: CM Fadnavis speaks to 'injured' DCP Niketan Kadam

  Nagpur violence updates: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday spoke to Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam over a video call. The top cop had gotten injured during the violence that broke out in Nagpur on Monday night amid demands seeking the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb.

  Fadnavis wished a speedy recovery to DCP Kadam.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:44:33 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Shiv Sena MP alleges Opposition's 'conspiracy'

  Nagpur violence updates: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Tuesday said he suspected that the state Opposition was involved in a "conspiracy" regarding the violence that broke out in Nagpur on Monday night.

  Speaking in the Parliament, he alleged that the violence was a "pre-planned riot".

  "The Opposition leaders in Maharashtra had been saying for the last 3-4 days that there would be riots. How did they predict the future and know about it? This should also be looked into... This looks like a conspiracy of the Opposition," Mhaske told ANI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:42:15 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Owaisi alleges 'intelligence failure', slams Maha govt

  Nagpur violence updates: AIMIM chief Asaddudin Owaisi on Tuesday alleged "intelligence failure" over the violence that broke out in Nagpur the day before amid demands seeking the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb.

  Speaking to reporters, he said, "I condemn the violence, but one should look at the total (picture), the statements given by ministers, even given right now. They should follow the rule of law, they have taken an oath on India's constitution, so how can you say provocative statements?"

  "This is really wrong, it is the responsibility and fault of the government, an intelligence failure. This happened near a minister's house too," Owaisi was cited as saying by news agency ANI.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:37:16 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: BJP MLA says 'this is well-planned conspiracy'

  Nagpur violence updates: BJP MLA Ram Kadam on Tuesday told news agency PTI that the violence that broke out in Nagpur is a "well-planned conspiracy" carried out to defame Maharashtra.

  "People associated with Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Congress workers were seen pelting stones during Nagpur violence. What were they doing there? We obviously won't do violence as we are in power. They will orchestrate riots to blame the government. This is a well-planned conspiracy to defame Maharashtra," Kadam said.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:34:10 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Praising Aurangzeb not right, says Rajasthan minister

  Nagpur violence updates: Rajasthan minister Madan Dilawar told news agency ANI that praising invaders like Aurangzeb is not right.

  "It must be nationalist people demanding the removal of the tomb. Aurangzeb, Babur and Akbar were invaders who murdered thousands and praising them is not right... Sign and symbol of each invader, robber, hooligan should definitely be removed," he said.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:28:04 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Situation is peaceful, says Sambhajinagar collector

  Nagpur violence updates: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Collector Dilip Swami said the situation in the region is peaceful.

  "Yesterday, Bajrang Dal members gave us a petition. The police force is on alert in the district. CP and I are visiting sensitive areas in the district. The force is deployed in sensitive areas in Daulatabad and Khuldabad. We have requested people not to spread rumours. The police are monitoring social media," he added.

• 18 Mar 2025, 02:19:18 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Pre-planned conspiracy, says VHP leader

  Nagpur violence updates: On the Nagpur incident, VHP leader Vinod Bansal said, "Violence was spread as part of a pre-planned conspiracy. We are confident that the Maharashtra government is taking action against those who were involved."

  (via ANI)

• 18 Mar 2025, 01:22:11 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: ‘Govt is responsible for it,’ says Congress MP Imran Masood over clashes

  Nagpur violence updates: Addressing the Nagpur violence, Congress MP Imran Masood blamed the government, stating, "The government is responsible for it. Unfortunately, the people are made to fight against each other under the protection of the government. The CM should take action against those who are behind it, irrespective of their religion. New stories are being fabricated based on the past. This is not in the country's favour."

  The violence erupted on Monday following protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to the vandalism of several houses and vehicles. In response, authorities imposed a curfew in multiple areas of Nagpur city.

  Speaking in the legislative assembly, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that 33 police personnel, including three deputy commissioners, were injured in the clashes. He added that one senior official was attacked with an axe.

• 18 Mar 2025, 01:02:07 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: Over 50 persons held, 5 FIRs lodged

  Nagpur violence updates: Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal on Tuesday said that over 50 people have been taken into custody and five FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence in the city.

  • The clashes erupted in central Nagpur on Monday evening after rumours spread that a holy book was burned during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Stones were also hurled at the police, officials said earlier.

  • Speaking to reporters, Singal said, "The police have taken more than 50 persons into custody and registered five FIRs at various police stations in connection with the violence."

  • Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule claimed that social media was used to incite tensions and urged the opposition not to politicize the issue.

  • Following a review meeting with the police commissioner and district collector, Bawankule also appealed to all communities to maintain peace and harmony.

• 18 Mar 2025, 12:45:22 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: ‘Attacks on police will not be tolerated,’ says CM Devendra Fadnavis

  Nagpur violence updates: Speaking in the state assembly on Tuesday about the Nagpur violence, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis asserted, “Attacks on police will not be tolerated, strict action will be taken.”

  Earlier, he stated that 33 police personnel had been injured in the clashes, which erupted following protests led by the VHP demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, along with rumours about the burning of a holy book.

• 18 Mar 2025, 12:40:03 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: ‘No one has permission to take law and order into their hands,’ says CM Fadnavis in assembly

  Nagpur violence updates: Addressing the Assembly on the Nagpur violence, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal had organized protests in Nagpur. He said that rumors were spread about religious items being burned and described the incident as a "well-planned attack." He emphasised that no one has the right to take law and order into their own hands.

• 18 Mar 2025, 12:28:27 PM IST

  Nagpur violence updates: CM Devendra Fadnavis blames Chhaava movie for 'anger in people' against Aurangzeb

  Nagpur violence updates: Addressing the state assembly on the Nagpur violence, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the clashes appeared to be "pre-planned." He acknowledged that the Chhava movie had fueled public anger against Aurangzeb but urged everyone to ensure peace in Maharashtra.

  Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the violence as "unfortunate" and appealed for calm. He added that police are investigating whether the incident was part of a “pre-planned conspiracy.”