Maharashtra Police have filed a case against some office-bearers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a protest in Nagpur demanding the removal of the tomb of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
The FIR against Govind Shende, VHP's secretary in-charge of Maharashtra and Goa and others were registered at the Ganeshpeth police station. No arrest has been made so far.
The police action came a day after violence erupted in central Nagpur's Chitnis Park in Mahal area during the protest. The violence was reportedly triggered by rumours that the holy book of a particular community was burnt during the protest.
Several vehicles and houses were vandalised during the violence and as many as 34 police personnel were injured.
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: Police and security personnel conduct a flag march in the violence-hit area to instil confidence among people. pic.twitter.com/Kv0ezSFEi8
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
Police have imposed curfew in several areas of the city, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth and Lakadganj.
On Tuesday evening, police conducted a route march in riot-affected areas of central Nagpur with the police commissioner leading the contingent.
The route march was held from Chitnis Park Chowk—the ground zero of violence—to Hansapuri Road.
#WATCH | On yesterday's clash and violence, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal says, "We have registered case and are arresting people. Our action to establish peace is continuing. Social media is being monitored and we are developing the information we are getting.… https://t.co/79FNsSsGrd pic.twitter.com/eqJZxPtCyL
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
"The main objective behind taking out route marches is to understand if there is any conspiracy to repeat violence. The route march ensures area domination so that the people do not lose confidence and know that police are committed to their safety," Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal told reporters.
He said the curfew will remain in force for the time being and the call on its relaxation will depend upon the situation.
