NAGPUR: Violent clashes broke out in central Nagpur late Monday after protests demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad spiralled into chaos, leaving dozens wounded and causing widespread destruction. At least 10 anti-riot commandos, two senior police officers, and two firemen suffered serious wounds in the unrest, while a constable remains in critical condition in hospital. Mobs torched two bulldozers and 40 vehicles, including police vans, as security forces struggled to contain the violence.
Police launched a large-scale crackdown, arresting 50 rioters, while the MHA sought a report on the unrest - just two weeks before PM Modi's expected visit to Nagpur. The violence erupted following rumours that protesters from a particular community had burned effigies of Aurangzeb & a religious chadar near Shivaji Putla Square at Mahal Gate - barely 2km from the RSS headquarters. Fadnavis, Gadkari urge Nagpur residents not to believe rumours Reports of violence triggered a swift response from another community, with large crowds gathering to demand action against those responsible.
The protests escalated into stone-throwing, arson and clashes with police. Officials said misinformation spread via social media played a major role in fuelling the violence. Security forces used riot-control vehicles, including water cannons and tear gas units, to disperse mobs.
DCPs Archit Chandak and Niketan Kadam were wounded while attempting to control the crowds. Firefight.