Nagpur violence: 50 arrested after clashes over Aurangzeb tomb protest, prohibitory orders imposed
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Nagpur: At least 50 people have been arrested following violent clashes in central Nagpur late on Monday night. The unrest erupted after protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad escalated into arson and confrontations, leaving several injured.
Clashes and arson
The violence led to multiple casualties, including 10 anti-riot commandos, two senior police officers, and two firefighters. A constable remains in critical condition. Mobs set ablaze two bulldozers and 40 vehicles, including police vans, as security forces struggled to restore order. The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report on the incident, which comes just two weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Nagpur.
Role of rumours and social media
Tensions flared after reports emerged that protesters had burned effigies of Aurangzeb and a religious chadar near Shivaji Putla Square at Mahal Gate, located just 2 km from the RSS headquarters. In response, another group gathered, demanding immediate action, which led to stone-pelting, arson, and violent clashes with the police. Officials have stated that misinformation spread through social media significantly contributed to the escalation.
Security forces deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Among those injured were DCPs Archit Chandak and Niketan Kadam, along with firefighters who were attempting to extinguish the flames.
Police crackdown and security measures
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal has deployed over 1,000 officers and imposed prohibitory orders in Mahal, Chitnis Park Chowk, and Bhaldarpura to curb movement in high-risk areas. Key roads have been sealed, and additional reinforcements have been brought in to prevent further violence. Despite these measures, sporadic stone-pelting incidents continued through the night.
Authorities have employed CCTV surveillance vehicles and public address systems to monitor the situation and issue warnings. Local peace committees have also been activated, urging community leaders to step in and help de-escalate tensions.
CM appeals for peace
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have urged Nagpur residents to maintain peace. "Nagpur has always been a city of harmony. I request citizens not to believe in rumours and to cooperate with the police," Fadnavis stated.
Police statement on the situation
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal has assured that the situation is under control. "The situation is currently peaceful. A photo was burned, leading to people gathering and making a request. We acted on it, and an FIR has been lodged based on the names provided," he said.
Regarding the violence, he stated, "The incident occurred around 8-8:30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched; we are assessing the damage. So far, two vehicles have been set on fire, and stone-pelting took place." He added that combing operations are underway to identify and arresImposede involved.
To prevent further unrest, Section 144 has been imposed in the area, restricting public gatherings. "People have been advised not to step out unnecessarily or take the law into their own hands. Apart from this particular area, the rest of the city remains peaceful," Dr Singal added.
VHP, Bajrang Dal warn of protests
Meanwhile, protests have also erupted in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, where Aurangzeb’s tomb is located. VHP and Bajrang Dal have warned that if the government fails to act, they will escalate their agitation across Marathwada and other districts.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
