Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently addressed the state assembly regarding the recent outbreak of violence in Nagpur. The Chief Minister revealed that the unrest was triggered by a rumour claiming that a religious symbol on a sheet covering a symbolic grave had been burned. The rumour, which began circulating in the evening, escalated quickly, leading to widespread tension and eventual violence.
Providing details of the incident, Fadnavis said, “Twelve two-wheelers were vandalised, while a crane, two JCB machines, and several four-wheelers were set on fire. A crowd of 80 to 100 people gathered at the scene, and some individuals were attacked with swords. The situation worsened when a police officer was attacked with an axe.”
The violence resulted in injuries to 33 police personnel, including three officers of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank. Additionally, five civilians sustained injuries during the incident. To maintain law and order, prohibitory orders were imposed in 11 police station areas, and five companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) were deployed. “The police acted swiftly to bring the situation under control,” Fadnavis noted.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to law enforcement, Fadnavis assured the assembly and the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible. “No one involved in this violence will be spared. The police have performed commendably and will continue to act firmly,” he added.
In a separate statement, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar described the Nagpur incident as unfortunate. He urged the government to take stringent action against those who disrupt peaceful protests. “There must be no room in our society for such disturbances. Whether the violence was premeditated or not is a matter for the government, the Home Department, and the Chief Minister to determine. However, those responsible must be taught a lesson,” Mungantiwar concluded.
