Synopsis
On March 17, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal called on residents to assist the administration in preserving peace and law and order following recent clashes. He emphasized the importance of not succumbing to rumors and staying indoors unless necessary.Key Takeaways
- Police Commissioner urges public cooperation.
- Recent tensions arose from a photo burning incident.
- Police deployed to restore normalcy.
- Stone pelting and arson reported during clashes.
- Public urged to report rumors to police.
Nagpur, March 17 (NationPress) The Commissioner of Police, Ravinder Singal, urged residents to work alongside the authorities to uphold peace and law and order.
He explained that the disturbances arose after a certain photo was burned, yet tranquility was restored shortly thereafter. A case has been filed regarding this matter, and an investigation is currently in progress. However, tensions escalated when a group of individuals gathered and engaged in a verbal confrontation.
He noted that police personnel, including senior officials, State Reserve Police, and Rapid Action Force members, have been deployed to restore normalcy.
The police acknowledged incidents of stone pelting, and efforts are underway to apprehend those involved.
“I appeal to the public to trust that police are present on the ground. Do not fall for any rumours. Residents can reach out to the control room. Please refrain from leaving your homes unless absolutely necessary. Our operations are ongoing,” he stated.
He mentioned that he has briefed senior authorities, including the state’s director general of police and additional director general of police, about the incident and the actions taken by law enforcement.
According to police sources, two factions clashed violently in the Mahal area of Nagpur city over the matter concerning the destruction of Aurangzeb’s grave.
Following a period of calm, stone pelting and arson erupted from both sides, resulting in injuries to several police personnel.
Earlier, members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad protested at Shivaji Chowk, demanding the demolition of Aurangzeb’s grave.
They proceeded to burn an effigy of Aurangzeb and destroy a poster.
This event heightened the tension in the Mahal area.
Police sources indicated that additional forces were stationed to manage the law and order situation, successfully bringing it under control.
However, violent clashes reignited later in the evening with reports of stone pelting and arson.
Authorities stated that tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd and maintain order. Heavy stone pelting targeted police and fire brigade personnel.
Reports indicated that some individuals were also throwing knives at the police. Numerous vehicles sustained damage due to the stone pelting and arson.
In the meantime, the opposition leader in the state council, Ambadas Danve, held the state government responsible for the clashes in Nagpur.
“The government is culpable for inciting conflict between the Hindu and Muslim communities. It is ironic that both the chief minister and home minister hail from Nagpur, yet the police are left in the dark,” he asserted.
NCP SP legislator Rohit Pawar criticized the state government for the violence witnessed in Nagpur.
In his response, he stated: "What benefit has the government gained by harming innocent people, taking lives, and destroying property? The riots in Nagpur stem from inflammatory remarks made by government ministers in recent days, and the government bears full responsibility for this. The minister who has fostered an atmosphere of communal tension should be dismissed. Furthermore, this government has no moral authority to remain in power for even a moment.”
In a post on X, he remarked, “The core issues concerning farmers, workers, youth, students, and the unemployed have been neglected. If these issues had been addressed, families would have found relief, but to divert attention from these matters, the government is orchestrating religious and communal unrest, and it is time for the citizens of the state to recognize this... I urge Maharashtra to reject any communal or religious division. The instigators remain faceless while the common people bear the brunt. Therefore, it is imperative for citizens to uphold peace!”
