A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted on Monday night over demands to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra. The unrest left 33 police officers and five civilians injured, with multiple shops and vehicles set ablaze.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have labeled the violence as a “planned conspiracy” and blamed it on deliberate misinformation. Fadnavis pointed to the large-scale stone-pelting and targeted attacks, saying, “We got a trolley of stones, indicating planning, and some specified houses and institutions were targeted.”

He added that misinformation about a religious symbol on a symbolic grave sparked the violence. “One Deputy Commissioner was attacked with an axe… those who took the law into their hands will not be spared,” he asserted.

Clashes fueled by ‘Chhava’ movie and political tensions

The controversy began when right-wing groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. The groups symbolically burned a grave made of grass and raised slogans. This, according to authorities, led to the spread of false claims that religious texts were burned, triggering a reaction from the Muslim community.

Eknath Shinde backed Fadnavis’ claims, saying, “Patriotic Muslims will never support Aurangzeb.” He further called Aurangzeb’s tomb a “blot on Maharashtra” and accused opposition parties of inciting the violence.

Opposition alleges BJP conspiracy

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray countered the ruling alliance’s claims, alleging that the BJP was attempting to create a “Manipur-like situation” in Maharashtra. His party colleague, Priyanka Chaturvedi, also accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence as part of a larger political agenda.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged people not to believe in rumors, stating, “Nagpur is known for maintaining peace. I urge my brothers not to fall for misinformation.”

Current situation in Nagpur

Heavy security has been deployed across the city, particularly near Aurangzeb’s tomb, which is under legal protection. Several houses and shops were vandalized, and multiple vehicles were torched during the riots.

Residents recounted terrifying experiences, with one, Sharad Gupta from Hansapuri, stating that a mob attacked his house around 10:30 PM, setting his two-wheelers on fire while police response was delayed.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and curfew measures remain in place to prevent further escalation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget session, hailed the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He attributed its grandeur to the collective efforts of the people of India, especially those from Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj.

“I bow to the countrymen whose efforts led to the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh is a result of countless contributions. I thank the people of India, Uttar Pradesh, and Prayagraj,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the event as an embodiment of the nation’s diversity and unity, he remarked that differences faded away during the Maha Kumbh, underscoring India’s deep-rooted spirit of oneness.

A global spectacle of faith and devotion

PM Modi emphasized that the Maha Kumbh not only showcased India’s cultural richness but also served as a testament to its national awakening. “The entire world saw India’s grandeur in the form of Maha Kumbh. We witnessed a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new achievements. This also gave a befitting reply to those who doubt our strength,” he stated.

According to official data, the Maha Kumbh, which took place from January 13 to February 26, saw a staggering participation of 66 crore devotees, nearly ten times the population of France. Over 40 crore devotees and Naga seers took a holy dip in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at the Sangam in Prayagraj.

Congress questions omission of stampede deaths

While PM Modi focused on the success and significance of the Maha Kumbh, the Congress criticized him for not addressing the tragic stampede incidents that occurred during the event. At least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede at the fair venue, while another 18 perished due to a Kumbh-bound rush at a railway station in Delhi.

PM Modi connects Maha Kumbh with India’s cultural revival

The Prime Minister also shared that he had immersed sacred water from Sangam at the Ganga Talao in Mauritius, further emphasizing the global significance of India’s traditions. He concluded his speech by asserting that the new generation of India is embracing its heritage with pride, and events like Maha Kumbh strengthen the nation’s unity and cultural resurgence.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in connection with the land-for-jobs money laundering case. According to official sources, the 76-year-old leader has been asked to appear before the agency in Patna on March 19.

The investigation agency has also summoned some of his family members for questioning in the same case. Their statements are to be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), sources said.

Family members named in chargesheet

Despite the summons, sources indicate that Lalu Prasad and his family members are unlikely to appear before the ED.

Last year, the ED had filed a chargesheet in a Delhi court, naming several members of Lalu Prasad’s family, including his wife, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their daughters, Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, as accused in the case. Others were also named in the chargesheet.

The land-for-jobs scam pertains to allegations that land parcels were taken as bribes in exchange for employment in the Indian Railways when Lalu Prasad Yadav served as Railway Minister. The ED has been investigating the money laundering aspect of the case.