Clashes Erupt In Nagpur Amid Rumours Of Quran Burning by Bajrang Dal, 4 Injured; CM Fadnavis Appeals For Calm

Tension gripped central Nagpur on Monday when stones were hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of the Muslim community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, leaving four persons injured, officials said.

Police fired tear gas shells and resorted to cane-charge to disperse the mob in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas.

Photo Credit: PTI

Violence also reportedly spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth in the late afternoon, officials said. Officials said the Chitnish Park to Shukrawari Talao road belt was most affected by violence as per the preliminary information, where some four-wheelers were set afire by rioters.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Tension breaks out in Mahal area of ​​Nagpur after a dispute between two groups. Vehicles vandalised and torched, stone pelting reported. Police personnel present in the area. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/PPufCmM55N

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

Stones were also thrown at the homes of residents.

Police are trying to disperse mobs believed to be in thousands. The trouble began late afternoon shortly after Bajrang Dal members demonstrated near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal area.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Efforts underway to douse fire in vehicles that have been torched in Mahal area of ​​Nagpur.

Tensions have broken out here following a dispute between two groups. pic.twitter.com/rRheKdpGh4

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

According to police, rumours spread that the Quran was burnt during the agitation. Videos of the Bajrang Dal demonstration quickly went viral on social media, leading to outrage among members of the Muslim community.

#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence | A Police personnel present at the spot in Mahal area, injured.

Tensions have broken out here following a dispute between two groups. pic.twitter.com/UAGJVuqAU7

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

A complaint was lodged at Ganeshpeth police station in the evening alleging the burning of the holy book.

Following the complaint, a large number of Muslim community members started gathering in various parts of the city, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitanvis Park, police said.

#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence: DCP Nagpur Archit Chandak says, "This incident occurred due to some miscommunication. Situation is under control right now. Our force here is strong. I appeal to everyone to not step out...or pelt stones. Stone pelting was taking place, so… pic.twitter.com/PJ8mfzQmGD

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

Sensing trouble, police intensified patrolling and summoned additional security forces to maintain law and order.

An official said stones were thrown at police personnel in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas, following which police fired tear gas shells.

An official said there are reports of violence in other areas as well. Bajrang Dal office-bearers, however, refuted the allegations and claimed that they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their demonstration.

#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence: Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari says, "Due to certain rumors, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. The citys history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any… pic.twitter.com/1xF8YnOIMk

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

A senior police official confirmed that security had been tightened in sensitive areas, with Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) being deployed. Additional police personnel from various stations were also summoned.

CM appeals for calm

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday night called for peace and asked people not to believe rumours.

"Police are managing the situation following stone pelting and tense situation in the Mahal area," the chief minister said in a statement.

He urged citizens to cooperate with the administration. Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, also said he is in constant contact with the police and asked them to cooperate with the people.

"Nagpur is a peaceful city where people share in each other's joys and sorrows, which has always been Nagpur's tradition. Do not believe any rumours," he added.