VHP's Alok Kumar Denounces Nagpur Unrest as 'Muslim-led Riot', Stands Firm Against Aurangzeb's Glorification

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Alok Kumar labels Nagpur violence a 'Muslim-led riot'.
- The Maharashtra government claims the incident was 'pre-planned'.
- Kumar demands a thorough investigation into the violence.
- Faheem Khan arrested as the alleged mastermind behind the riots.
- VHP opposes the glorification of Aurangzeb.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar on Wednesday denounced the recent turmoil in Nagpur, asserting that it was not a Hindu-Muslim conflict but rather a "Muslim-led riot."
The unrest erupted on Monday during a protest that escalated into a riot, with mobs launching stones, throwing petrol bombs at police, and assaulting officers with axes and iron rods.
The rioters allegedly tried to molest female police personnel. The Maharashtra government has indicated that the incident was "pre-planned" to disrupt harmony and instigate communal strife.
In an interview with IANS, Alok Kumar highlighted that the violence was orchestrated, stating, "The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have confirmed that the riot was pre-planned. Where did so many petrol bombs come from? How did individuals from outside Nagpur get involved? This was a calculated effort to incite violence."
He refuted accusations against the VHP and Bajrang Dal, asserting, "A false rumor was circulated that a religious book was disrespected. We categorically deny this. We, the VHP and Bajrang Dal, would never engage in such actions. This is a conspiracy to incite unrest... we demand a comprehensive investigation."
Kumar also reaffirmed the VHP's opposition to the glorification of Aurangzeb, stating, "Aurangzeb cannot serve as a role model for any segment of Indian society. He imprisoned his own father, killed his brother, demolished Hindu temples, and forcibly converted individuals. We reject any attempts to glorify him."
He added, "We will persist in our movement within constitutional boundaries to ensure that Indian society adheres to the values of Ram and Krishna, not Aurangzeb."
The police have arrested Faheem Khan, city president of the Minority Democratic Party, identifying him as the architect behind the communal violence. He was presented in court and remanded to police custody until March 21.
According to the FIR, Faheem Khan, 38, allegedly incited the mob, gathering 30-40 individuals at 11 a.m. before the Bajrang Dal and VHP protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. He allegedly told protesters that "the police belong to the Hindu community and will not assist them," inciting violence.
Police have filed an FIR against 51 individuals involved in the riots, with further arrests anticipated in the coming days.