Nagpur, 18 Mar

(HS):-Parts of Eastern Nagpur remain calm but tense following clashes between

two groups on Monday evening related to Aurangzeb’s Tomb in Khultabad in

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district of Maharashtra. Prohibitory orders banning

gathering of people have been imposed in Nagpur and curfews in some other parts

of East Nagpur. Police are also monitoring the social media accounts spreading

objectionable and provocative messages. The other areas of the city, however, remained

peaceful.

The clashes

broke out at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in the Mahal area, where an

effigy of Aurangazeb was burnt and slogans raised. A ‘Chadar’ bearing ‘Ayaat’

from the Quran was also set on fire and slogans against Aurangazeb were raised. Miscreants

compelled some shopkeepers to down shutters in the busy market area around 8 pm,

which led to verbal arguments and later stone pelting incidents. Activists from

Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged an agitation supporting the demolition of

Arangazeb’s Tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The word of clashes

between people of two communities spread like wildfire in many areas. Police

resorted to cane-charge, used water cannons and then teargas shells to disperse

the mob indulging in vandalising vehicles and shops. An under-construction

building was set on fire and a JCB machine was set on fire.

DCP Zone-II

Rahul Madne sustained minor injuries during the stone pelting. The Fire Brigade

was pressed into action as some vehicles were torched. A Fire brigade personnel

also suffered minor injuries during the clashes. About 15 police personnel received

minor injuries during stone pelting in different parts of the city.

Maharashtra Chief

Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP State Chief

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Businessman Pyare Khan have appealed to the people to

maintain peace.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar