Nagpur Unrest: Minister Bawankule to Assess Affected Areas
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 18, Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule visited Nagpur to assess areas affected by recent violence. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation with police to restore peace. The police have arrested 47 individuals and are addressing injuries sustained during the clashes, which stemmed from a dispute over Aurangzeb's grave demolition.
Key Takeaways
- Minister Bawankule is actively assessing violence-hit areas.
- 47 arrests made in connection with the unrest.
- Public urged to cooperate with police efforts.
- Serious injuries reported among police personnel.
- Social media accounts promoting violence are under scrutiny.
Nagpur, March 18 (NationPress) State Revenue Minister and Nagpur district guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule swiftly arrived in the city on Tuesday. He is set to visit the areas impacted by the violence and engage in discussions with police officials.
Minister Bawankule, who had an extensive meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday night, aims to evaluate the current situation.
He has urged the public not to fall for rumors and to cooperate with law enforcement in upholding peace and order. Bawankule indicated that the state government views Monday's violence with utmost seriousness and will undertake all necessary actions to restore tranquility in Nagpur.
The city police commissioner, Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singhal, reported that the police have apprehended 47 individuals and filed four FIRs concerning violence, stone pelting, arson, and assaults on police and fire brigade members. Approximately 15 police officers, including three deputy police commissioners, have sustained serious injuries.
According to police reports, three DCP-rank officers have been gravely injured. DCP Niketan Kadam, who suffered severe bleeding from an axe attack on his hand, has been hospitalized in critical condition. DCP Shashikant Satav has a fractured leg and is also receiving treatment.
DCP Archit Chandak has suffered a significant ligament injury and is undergoing medical evaluation. Meanwhile, DCP Rahul Madane was struck by a stone but remains on duty.
Police sources revealed that 55 social media accounts suspected of disseminating objectionable videos and content are being monitored. The unrest erupted between two factions on Monday evening concerning the demolition of Aurangzeb's grave. Both groups engaged in stone pelting and arson, resulting in damage to several vehicles, some of which were set ablaze.
Residents of Chitnis Park shared their experiences. “The incident unfolded between 7 and 8 p.m. yesterday when a mob suddenly assaulted our neighborhood with iron rods and stones. Some individuals from the mob began hurling large stones. We were all indoors. My husband and son were outside. As the crowd swelled, I called them home. By the time they arrived, heavy stone pelting was already occurring. The police intervened. It was apparent that some individuals had come armed to confront the police. However, the police were making every effort to disperse the crowd and prevent further violence,” recounted a housewife who is still recovering from the trauma.
An IT professional, who was working from home and witnessed the chaos, claimed that the mob was fully prepared. “They hurled large stones at our vehicles and set several on fire.”
A resident from a neighboring area remarked, "The windows of a house in Bhaldarpura were vandalized. A massive stone was thrown at a parked car outside the residence. The stone weighed around 30 to 35 kg.”
Police sources assured that the situation is now under control. A significant number of police personnel have been deployed in the Mahal area where the confrontations began Monday night.
