Mumbai: In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding Aurangzeb in Maharashtra and the violence that erupted in Nagpur on Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Tuesday that Vicky Kaushal’s film “Chhaava” has presented the facts to the public.
Addressing the unrest in Nagpur, which followed rumors of a right-wing group burning a religious text, Fadnavis characterized the riots as premeditated.
“This violent incident and the ensuing riots appear to have been orchestrated,” he remarked during a session in the Maharashtra assembly, as reported by ANI. The Chief Minister noted that the mob specifically targeted certain homes and businesses, suggesting a conspiracy was at play.
Fadnavis further commented that the film “Chhaava,” a recent biopic about Chhatrapati Sambhaji, has stirred public sentiment against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. However, he urged citizens to maintain peace within the state.
“Following the release of the movie, public emotions have been reignited, and there is a significant display of anger towards Aurangzeb,” he stated.
Regarding the violence in Nagpur, the disturbances resulted in numerous damaged vehicles and injuries to several individuals, including at least 15 police officers, one of whom sustained serious injuries, according to a police official speaking to Reuters.
The police reported that members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) burned an effigy of Emperor Aurangzeb and his tomb while chanting slogans demanding its removal from the nearby city of Aurangabad.
Fadnavis condemned the violence in a statement, emphasizing the need for all efforts to uphold law and order. “I have instructed the police commissioner to implement any necessary stringent measures,” Fadnavis added.
In response to the unrest, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in certain areas of the city. Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal indicated that the curfew would remain in effect until further notice. According to an ANI report, the police stations affected by the curfew include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Lakadganj, Pachpaoali, and Shantinagar, as well as Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar.
