Violence breaks out in Nagpur over call to remove Aurangzeb's tomb, Fadnavis appeals for peace

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed for peace, saying: "The police are managing the situation following stone pelting and tense situation in the Mahal area."

"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.

The clash between two groups in Nagpur's Mahal broke out hours after the right-wing group Vishwa Hindu Parishad organised a protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. There has been tension in the area since.

Later, stones were pelted, and several vehicles, including a few belonging to the fire brigade, were torched.

"Stone pelting was taking place, so we displayed a show of force and also used tear gas...A few vehicles were set ablaze, we doused off the fire by calling Fire Brigade...A few police personnel were injured, I too sustained a little injury in my leg during stone pelting. But we urge everyone to maintain peace," NDTV reported quoting Archit Chandak, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nagpur.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who represents Nagpur in parliament, also appealed to the people to maintain peace.

In a video message posted on X, Gadkari said a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur "due to certain rumors".

"I assure you all that the government will take action against those who have committed mistakes or engaged in illegal activities. The Chief Minister has already been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours," he added.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had supported the call for the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb from Khulabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

However, he said this has to be done according to law as the previous Congress government had protected the tomb by handing it over to the Archaeological Society of India (ASI).

The Congress Monday targeted the state government over this.