In the wake of recent unrest in Nagpur, authorities have intensified their crackdown, arresting 14 additional individuals on Friday, including 10 minors, bringing the total number of arrests to 105. The violence, which erupted on March 17, has also led to the registration of three new First Information Reports (FIRs), with charges ranging from rioting to sedition.The Times of India
Incident Overview
The unrest began following rumors that a "chadar" (a ceremonial cloth) bearing holy inscriptions was desecrated during a protest organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The demonstration aimed to demand the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. These allegations led to widespread stone-pelting and arson across several parts of Nagpur. AP News+3Business & Finance News+3The Times of India+3Wikipedia+4The Times of India+4Business & Finance News+4www.ndtv.com+1Business & Finance News+1
Law Enforcement Actions
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singhal confirmed the recent arrests and the filing of additional FIRs related to the riots. He indicated that decisions regarding lifting curfews in certain parts of the city would be made after a high-level review meeting. Business & Finance News
Among those arrested is Fahim Khan, a leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), who has been charged with sedition. Authorities allege that Khan's inflammatory social media posts played a significant role in inciting the violence. The Indian Express+3Wikipedia+3The Times of India+3
Casualties and Injuries
The clashes resulted in injuries to 34 police personnel, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner rank, and five civilians. Several houses and vehicles were also damaged during the violence. AP News+1Business & Finance News+1
Current Situation
A curfew has been imposed in the affected areas of Nagpur to prevent further escalation. Authorities are conducting continuous assessments to determine when it would be safe to lift these restrictions. The situation remains tense but under control, with law enforcement agencies maintaining a heightened presence to ensure public safety.