Muslim leaders in Nagpur have strongly condemned the recent outbreak of violence in the city and called for an unbiased investigation, asserting that prompt police intervention could have averted the unrest.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, they urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to engage with representatives from both communities to restore peace.

The violence erupted on Monday evening across multiple areas of Nagpur, marked by incidents of stone pelting and arson, following unverified claims that a religious ‘chadar’ bearing holy inscriptions was set ablaze during protests organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.

Dr. Mohammad Awes Hasan, addressing the media, alleged that targeted efforts to provoke the Muslim community had been ongoing for the past two to three years. He pointed out that a certain minister frequently brought up the Aurangzeb issue despite the Muslim community having no connection to the Mughal ruler and maintaining peace.

According to Hasan, right-wing groups were responsible for burning the ‘chadar’ containing Islamic verses, leading concerned community members to approach the police for action. However, their frustration grew when authorities failed to act, resulting in agitation.

While some leaders at the press conference acknowledged the police’s role in restoring order, they also accused authorities of arresting innocent individuals as part of the investigation.

On the same day, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission chief Pyare Khan convened a meeting attended by the police commissioner, district collector, and other officials. Khan emphasized that no wrongful action should be taken against innocent citizens and requested the administration to ease curfew restrictions in Mominpura and surrounding areas, especially considering the ongoing Ramzan period, which had disrupted local businesses.

Monday’s violence left 33 police personnel injured, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank.

Authorities have charged Fahim Khan, identified as the main accused, along with five others, under sedition laws for allegedly spreading misinformation on social media. The curfew imposed in response to the clashes was either lifted or eased in several areas three days later.