Violent clashes erupted in central Nagpur on Monday, fueled by growing unrest over two contentious issues: allegations of the desecration of the Muslim holy book and demands for the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. The situation quickly spiraled as viral videos and social media speculation intensified the outrage.
Police reported that misinformation spread during a Bajrang Dal protest, with rumors claiming that copies of the Quran had been burned. The rapid circulation of these videos triggered anger within the Muslim community, further deepening tensions.
Curfew Imposed in Nagpur
To contain the unrest, Maharashtra Police issued an official notification enforcing a curfew under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in multiple areas of Nagpur. As per the directive from Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
The affected areas include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police station limits.
Mayawati Calls for Government Action
Reacting to the escalating tensions, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati condemned the calls for the destruction of Aurangzeb’s grave, warning that such actions threaten communal harmony. She urged the Maharashtra government to take strict measures against those responsible for inciting violence.
“It is wrong to damage or destroy graves or mausoleums, as it disrupts mutual brotherhood, peace, and harmony. The Maharashtra government must take strict action against such elements, especially in Nagpur, to prevent further deterioration of the situation,” Mayawati posted on X.
Security Tightened at Aurangzeb’s Tomb
In response to mounting demands from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb, authorities have heightened security at the site in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Police have implemented stringent measures, requiring visitor registration and identification checks while setting up multiple security checkpoints on routes leading to the tomb from Khultabad town.
The VHP, in its memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, argues that Aurangzeb’s legacy is tied to the persecution of Hindus and the destruction of temples. The organization has labeled his tomb as a symbol of historical oppression.
The Debate Over Aurangzeb’s Legacy
The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb has gained traction among Hindu right-wing groups, who view his rule as oppressive and inconsistent with India’s secular values. These groups argue that the presence of his grave in Maharashtra represents a painful historical reminder and should be removed.
Aurangzeb, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1658 to 1707, is known for his expansionist policies and religious orthodoxy. His reign saw the destruction of Hindu temples and the imposition of jizya, a tax on non-Muslims, fueling ongoing debates about his historical role in India.
As tensions persist, authorities remain on high alert, aiming to prevent further violence while navigating the delicate balance between historical narratives and communal harmony.
