Authorities have enforced a curfew in several areas of Nagpur under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This action follows rising tensions over demands to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, as stated in a Maharashtra Police notification.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal issued the order. The curfew will remain in place until further notice. It covers Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police station limits.
Protests Lead to Unrest
On March 17, around 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur. They demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Protesters chanted slogans and carried a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes.
Later, at 7:30 pm, another group of 80 to 100 people gathered in Bhaldarpura. Their presence created panic and disrupted daily life. As a result, roads became blocked, and tensions escalated.
To restore order, authorities quickly imposed a “communication ban (curfew)” under Section 163.
Curfew Rules and Penalties
The curfew strictly prohibits people from leaving their homes unless for medical emergencies. Additionally, gatherings of more than five people indoors are not allowed. Authorities have also banned spreading rumors or engaging in any activity that could provoke violence.
Furthermore, police can close roads in affected areas to maintain peace. Violators will face punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). However, the curfew does not apply to police officers on duty, government employees, students appearing for exams, or emergency service workers.
Violence Escalates in Hansapuri
Despite the curfew, violence erupted in Nagpur’s Hansapuri area. Unidentified individuals vandalized shops, torched vehicles, and pelted stones. This attack followed an earlier clash in Mahal, which had already raised tensions.
An eyewitness described the chaos. “A team came here, their faces were hidden with scarves. They had sharp weapons, stickers, and bottles in their hands. They started the ruckus, vandalized shops, and pelted stones. They also torched vehicles,” the witness said.
Similarly, another resident confirmed the destruction. “They vandalized shops… they set fire to 8-10 vehicles,” he said.
Police Ensure Stability
Meanwhile, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal reassured residents that the situation is now under control. “The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned, following which people gathered. We requested them to disperse, and we even took action in this regard. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR had been lodged based on the names they mentioned, and action would be taken against them,” he said.
He also explained the timeline of events. “This incident occurred around 8-8:30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched. We are assessing the damage. Two vehicles have been torched, and stone pelting has occurred. Police are conducting combing operations, and those involved are being identified and arrested. We have imposed Section 144, and everyone has been instructed not to step out unnecessarily or take the law into their own hands. Do not believe in rumours. Except for this area, the entire city is peaceful,” he added.
Right now, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further violence.
