Nagpur, one of Maharashtra’s most historically significant cities, has been engulfed in violent clashes following protests over the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The situation has escalated into a full-blown law-and-order crisis, prompting authorities to impose curfews and prohibitory orders across multiple areas.

The Origins of the Controversy

The tensions stem from demands by right-wing groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb, arguing that the Mughal emperor was responsible for atrocities against Hindus and the destruction of temples. This agitation gained momentum after BJP MLA Raja Singh and other political leaders openly called for the grave’s removal, sparking outrage among Muslim groups.

Adding to the turmoil, unverified reports about the desecration of a holy book surfaced on social media, further inflaming sentiments. These claims led to violent confrontations between different groups, turning the city’s Mahal and Hansapuri areas into flashpoints of communal clashes.

Unfolding Violence and Police Action

On March 17, violence erupted in multiple parts of Nagpur as mobs clashed, resulting in:

• Widespread arson – Protesters torched vehicles, shops, and public property.
• Explosions reported – Several media outlets, including CNBC-TV18, confirmed the sounds of blasts in different areas.
• Injuries and arrests – According to The Financial Express, at least 9 people have been injured, and 15 arrests have been made so far.
• Curfew imposed – The police enforced Section 163 in sensitive zones, restricting movement and gatherings.

Political Reactions and Appeals for Calm

Maharashtra Government’s Stand

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence, stating:

“Unfortunately, the government has to protect Aurangzeb’s tomb, but we will not allow any glorification of him in Maharashtra.”

Deputy CM and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari urged residents not to fall for misinformation and requested cooperation with law enforcement.

Opposition Criticism

The Congress party blamed the ruling BJP government for failing to maintain communal harmony. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleged that the controversy was a deliberate distraction from pressing governance issues.

Mayawati, the BSP chief, called for immediate action against miscreants, emphasizing that the government must maintain peace and communal harmony.

Impact on the City and Security Measures

With the violence escalating, authorities have taken several steps to restore order:

• Heavy police deployment – Riot control forces have been stationed across key areas, with a special focus on Mahal and Hansapuri.
• Internet restrictions – To curb the spread of rumors and hate speech, internet services have been temporarily suspended in select regions.
• Strict curfew enforcement – Section 144 remains in place to prevent further gatherings.

Public Response and Social Media Reactions

Social media has been flooded with reactions from all quarters. While many urged for peace, some incidents have led to embarrassment, such as activists in Pune mistakenly burning a poster of Bahadur Shah Zafar, thinking it was Aurangzeb—a moment that went viral online.

Meanwhile, misinformation continues to spread, prompting repeated appeals from police and government officials to rely on verified sources.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect?

As of now, the situation remains tense but under control. Law enforcement agencies have assured citizens that strict action will be taken against anyone inciting violence. However, the larger political and religious debate surrounding Aurangzeb’s legacy remains unresolved, ensuring that this issue will likely remain a flashpoint in Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape.

For now, the priority remains restoring peace and ensuring the safety of Nagpur’s residents. Authorities continue to urge citizens to avoid speculation, follow official updates, and cooperate with law enforcement.