By Guruji Sunil Chaudhary

March 20, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur over the controversy surrounding Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, leading to dozens of injuries and mass detentions.
• Over 69 people have been arrested, with local politician Fahim Khan identified as the alleged mastermindbehind the violence.
• Nagpur police have filed an FIR revealing that a woman officer was molested during the riots, intensifying outrage.
• Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis vowed strict action, saying that attackers will be "dug out from their graves."
• The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) dismissed Aurangzeb as “irrelevant”, downplaying the controversy.
• Authorities imposed Section 144, curfews, and an internet shutdown in affected areas, while heavy police deployment continues.

Background: Why Is Aurangzeb’s Tomb Controversial?

Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor (1658–1707), remains a divisive historical figure in India. Some view him as a tyrannical ruler responsible for religious persecution, while others see him as a powerful, albeit controversial, emperor.

His tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, has long been a flashpoint for ideological battles. The recent controversy in Nagpur stems from demands to either restrict access to the site or remove it entirely, claiming it glorifies a ruler responsible for atrocities against Hindus.

The Nagpur Violence: What Happened?

Protests and Riots Break Out

On March 18, 2025, tensions flared in Nagpur when right-wing groups protested against alleged glorification of Aurangzeb. In response:

• Muslim groups gathered, arguing that demands to remove the tomb were an attack on their heritage.
• The protests turned violent, with clashes erupting between the two groups.
• Petrol bombs, stones, and weapons were allegedly used, indicating prior planning, according to the police.
• The violence led to police intervention, which further escalated tensions as some officers were attacked.

Police FIR Reveals Shocking Details

The Nagpur police filed an FIR detailing how a woman officer was molested during the violence:

• The officer was reportedly surrounded by rioters, inappropriately touched, and obscene gestures were made at other female officers.
• Law enforcement agencies described this as a targeted attack on female officers.

Major Arrests and Accusations

The Maharashtra police have detained over 69 people, including:

• Fahim Khan, a local politician, identified as the mastermind behind the riots.
• Eight activists from VHP and Bajrang Dal, who later surrendered and were released on bail.
• Several others linked to inflammatory social media content, as Maharashtra Cyber Cell flagged over 140 posts inciting violence.

Political Fallout: Strong Reactions from Leaders

Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra Deputy CM)

Fadnavis called the attack on police officers a "planned conspiracy." He warned:

“We will dig them out from their graves but won’t spare those who attacked police in Nagpur.”

Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra CM)

Shinde invoked the Osama bin Laden analogy, saying:

“Even the US didn’t bury Osama bin Laden properly. Why should we glorify Aurangzeb?”

RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh)

RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar dismissed the controversy, stating:

“Aurangzeb is irrelevant today. His tomb doesn’t matter.”

Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT Chief)

Thackeray took a different stance, criticizing both the BJP and the Maharashtra government:

“Why are we debating someone who lived 300 years ago? This issue is being used to divide society.”

Local Muslim Leaders and Opposition

Some Muslim leaders and opposition parties have accused the government and police of arbitrary arrests, claiming:

"The police are rounding up innocent people under the pretext of riot control."

Government Response: Security Measures Tightened

1. Section 144 and Curfew Imposed

Authorities have banned gatherings and public protests, citing security concerns.

2. Internet Shutdown to Curb Hate Speech

Over 500 social media posts have been removed, as officials attempt to control misinformation and communal rhetoric.

3. Increased Police Deployment

Nagpur is now under heavy security, with additional Rapid Action Force (RAF) and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) personnel deployed.

Communal Tensions and Broader Implications

The Nagpur riots reflect a larger pattern of communal polarization in Maharashtra, with tensions brewing over:

• Recent protests demanding Aurangzeb’s tomb be “removed”.
• The use of historical figures to stoke religious sentiments.
• The role of political parties in fueling or controlling such violence.

Maharashtra, known for its rich history of Hindu-Muslim co-existence, now faces a dangerous shift towards communal unrest.

What Happens Next?

1. Will Riots Escalate or Be Contained?

While security forces have controlled the situation, tensions remain high. The possibility of further clashes cannot be ruled out.

2. Will Maharashtra Government Take Strict Action?

With Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde taking a hardline stance, further arrests and legal actions are expected.

3. Will Political Blame Games Continue?

The BJP, Shiv Sena factions, and Congress are all using the incident for political mileage, making neutral resolution difficult.

4. Will Aurangzeb’s Tomb Become a National Issue?

As debates over historical revisionism and religious identity grow, the Nagpur riots could influence national discourse on history and politics.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Trend in Indian Politics?

The Nagpur violence over Aurangzeb’s tomb is not just an isolated incident—it reflects a larger trend of communal conflicts in India.

• Should historical figures define modern politics?
• Is this a security issue, a political strategy, or both?

While leaders debate and police crackdown on rioters, the common people of Nagpur remain caught in the crossfire of history and politics.

What do you think?

• Should Aurangzeb’s tomb be preserved or removed?
• Is the violence politically motivated?

Let us know in the comments!