Nagpur witnessed violent clashes following protests over demands to shift Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb out of Maharashtra, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in multiple areas of the city. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed for calm and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement.

Curfew imposed in key areas

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal issued a notice under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, enforcing curfew in the Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar police station areas. The restrictions will remain in force until further notice.

Violence erupts after protest

The unrest began when supporters of certain Hindu organizations gathered near Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Nagpur’s Mahal area to demand the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra. The protesters raised slogans and burned a photo of Aurangzeb along with a symbolic grave wrapped in green cloth.

The act reportedly led to rumors, as some claimed the cloth had sacred verses inscribed on it. Following this, a group of around 80 to 100 individuals turned violent, throwing stones at police personnel and setting vehicles on fire. Law enforcement resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Four civilians and over a dozen police personnel sustained injuries in the violence.

Government and police response

Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged people to maintain peace and not believe in misinformation. “The government will take strict action against those responsible for the violence. I appeal to everyone to refrain from spreading or believing in rumors,” he stated.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that law and order would be maintained. “Nagpur has always been a peaceful city. I request everyone to trust the administration and not take the law into their own hands,” he said. The CM warned that any attack on police officers would be dealt with seriously.

The police have detained 50 individuals in connection with the violence and deployed heavy security forces in the affected areas.

Opposition criticizes government over violence

The Opposition has strongly criticized the state government’s handling of the situation. Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray alleged a breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra. “Nagpur, the home city of the Chief Minister and Home Minister, is facing this. The state’s law and order system has collapsed,” he wrote on social media.

NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule condemned the violence and urged citizens to maintain harmony. “Maharashtra stands for progressive values. Let us work together to uphold this identity,” she stated.

Congress leader Pawan Khera blamed the ruling party for inciting unrest. “For the first time in 300 years, Nagpur is witnessing such riots. This is an attempt to weaponize history and create unrest,” he alleged.

With tensions still high, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, while political leaders urge restraint to restore peace in the city.

Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 200 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza’s health ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran, cited by a media report. This marks the most severe assault since the ceasefire, which had been in place since January 19, broke down due to stalled negotiations.

“In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military stated on social media.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government accused Hamas of rejecting multiple ceasefire proposals. In an statement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu office said.

Ceasefire collapses over hostage dispute

The ceasefire, which was established in January, had initially facilitated the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations over the remaining 59 Israeli hostages reached a deadlock. Hamas demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a condition for further releases, while Israel sought to prolong the ceasefire without making such a concession.

Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement and urged mediators to intervene. “We demand that the mediators hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for overturning the deal,” the group said.

US backs Israeli action

The White House confirmed that Israel consulted the US administration before launching its renewed strikes in Gaza. “The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated. She also added that President Trump has made it clear that groups such as Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran will see a price to pay.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

The health ministry in Gaza reported that over 48,500 people have died since the war began on October 7, 2023. The initial attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli military operations have devastated Gaza, leaving nearly 70% of buildings damaged or destroyed and worsening shortages of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine. Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced.

The much-anticipated Bollywood superhero film Krrish 4, starring Hrithik Roshan, has hit another roadblock as director Siddharth Anand and his banner Marflix have exited the project. Reports indicate that the film’s budget, reportedly touching ₹700 crore, has made it difficult for production houses to move forward with the project.

Adding to the uncertainty, Rakesh Roshan, who directed the previous installments of the Krrish franchise, has decided to step away from directing the film, choosing to “pass on the baton” to a new director.

Production struggles continue

Krrish 4 has faced multiple delays over the years, and with the exit of Siddharth Anand, the situation has become even more complicated. Hrithik Roshan, who had wanted Anand to direct, is now left looking for a new team to take the project forward.

Although there are reports suggesting that the film’s ₹700 crore budget is the reason for the hurdles, another source has denied these claims, stating that the “astronomical figures doing the rounds are completely untrue.”

New production plans in motion

While Marflix will no longer be part of the film, FilmKraft, the production house owned by the Roshan family, is reportedly looking for a new studio to back the film. With no director or confirmed production house in place, it remains to be seen how and when the film will move forward.

For now, Krrish 4 remains in limbo, with fans eagerly waiting for an official update on its future.