March 18, 2025: Nagpur witnessed violent clashes late Monday night, leaving at least 30 people injured, including police personnel, and leading to the detention of 65 rioters. The unrest erupted following a protest led by Hindu outfits demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar.

The clashes primarily occurred in the Mahal and Hansapuri areas, where mobs torched vehicles, vandalized homes, and attacked a clinic. Around 25 bikes and three cars were set on fire as violence spiraled out of control between 8:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Authorities have since imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 to prevent further escalation.

According to Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal, tensions flared after a controversial photo was burned, triggering stone-pelting and arson. "We are conducting combing operations to identify and arrest those involved. The situation is now under control," he stated. He also urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement and ignore rumors.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called for peace, urging citizens to cooperate with the administration. Meanwhile, Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari assured that action would be taken against those responsible, while Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasized the need to maintain law and order without politicizing the incident.

Opposition leaders, including Congress Chief Harshvardhan Sapkal, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and Congress leader Pawan Khera, criticized the state government, blaming it for failing to control the violence.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and social media videos to track down more suspects. Meanwhile, cyber police have been deployed to prevent the spread of misinformation. A formal investigation is underway.

The situation in Nagpur remains tense but under control, with additional police forces stationed across sensitive areas to prevent further violence.