Mumbai: On Wednesday, police apprehended a significant suspect, identified as Faheem Khan, who allegedly incited the violence that erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, this week. The unrest was triggered by a clash between two communities over demands to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from the state.
Khan, a local politician affiliated with the Minority Democratic Party, will remain in custody until Friday. To date, authorities have arrested 60 individuals in connection with the disturbances.
The police are currently investigating whether the violence was orchestrated by an individual or a group. They have registered six cases and filed complaints against 1,200 individuals, with fewer than 200 named thus far. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining suspects.
This police action follows declarations by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy, Eknath Shinde, on Tuesday, labeling the violence as a “premeditated conspiracy” involving unidentified individuals.
Mr. Fadnavis noted that the unrest was sparked when Hindu demonstrators, including members of extremist groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, set fire to a “symbolic grave made of bundles of grass.”
He further explained that rumors circulated, suggesting that the green cloth covering the “symbolic grave” contained religious text, which contributed to the alleged conspiracy.
“After Friday prayers, a crowd of 250 individuals gathered at the site and began chanting slogans. When threats to ignite vehicles were made, the police intervened with force,” he stated.
In a controversial remark that drew criticism from the opposition, the Chief Minister appeared to attribute part of the violence to a Hindi film. The film in question, ‘Chhava,’ features Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna and depicts the conflict between the Maratha empire, led by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s son, Sambhaji, and the Mughals.
Violence erupted in Nagpur late Monday evening, where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological backbone of the ruling BJP, has its headquarters. Disturbances occurred in various areas of the city, leading to the vandalism of shops and homes, as well as the incineration of vehicles by unruly mobs.
Witnesses reported that the protest escalated into violence when demonstrators began throwing stones and petrol bombs at law enforcement officers. Subsequently, police were allegedly assaulted with “deadly weapons.” Authorities indicated that their response was necessitated by threats to civilian safety.
There are also reports of female police officers facing sexual harassment during the unrest.
In the midst of mutual accusations of inaction—claims that the police have denied—38 individuals sustained injuries, including 33 police personnel. One officer was reportedly attacked with an axe, as noted by the Chief Minister.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported from the violence that unfolded in Nagpur. A curfew has been imposed, affecting the jurisdictions of 10 police stations in the city.
The opposition, spearheaded by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, has been vocally critical of the BJP-led Mahayuti, demanding accountability from Mr. Fadnavis and his resignation.
On Tuesday, Mr. Thackeray questioned the rationale behind the violence, especially considering that Aurangzeb has been deceased for 318 years and rests in an unmarked grave in the state.
His son, Aaditya Thackeray, echoed these sentiments, accusing the BJP of instigating this controversy to divert attention from the government’s shortcomings. He further criticized the BJP for attempting to “turn Maharashtra into a Manipur.”
Aurangzeb’s grave is designated as a historical site under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India, a decision made by a previous administration that the Chief Minister has lamented, stating, “We desire the same outcome (removal of the grave), but it must be pursued within the bounds of the law.”
