Nagpur witnessed violence following protests over the Aurangzeb tomb row, leading to the arrest of 17 accused who have now been sent to police custody till March 22. During a late-night court hearing on Thursday, the Nagpur police presented the accused and sought extended custody to investigate further. Fahim Khan, the alleged mastermind behind the violence, and five others have been booked under sedition charges for spreading misinformation on social media, which reportedly fueled the violence.

Arrests and Police Custody Details

The Nagpur Police produced the 17 accused in court late Thursday night, and the judge ordered their police custody till March 22. According to the police, a total of 51 accused, including Fahim Khan, were initially arrested. The court granted police custody to 17 of them, while the remaining accused will face further legal action.

Fahim Khan, the alleged mastermind behind the violence, has been charged with sedition and spreading false information via social media that incited communal tensions. Police officials confirmed that 62 vehicles were vandalized and multiple properties were damaged during the violence.

Trigger Behind the Nagpur Violence

The violence erupted after rumours spread about a 'chadar' with holy inscriptions being burned during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which was demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad, Maharashtra. The misinformation circulated on social media created panic and led to widespread violence across Nagpur.

Key Accused Booked for Sedition

Fahim Khan and five others have been booked under sections of sedition and inciting communal hatred. Investigations revealed that social media posts and videos glorifying violence were shared, leading to heightened tensions in the region. Police sources confirmed that these videos fueled communal sentiments and triggered the clashes.

Curfew Lifted in Parts of Nagpur

Following three days of curfew, authorities have now lifted or relaxed restrictions in certain parts of Nagpur. Curfew was imposed in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar police station areas. However, considering the situation’s improvement, Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal ordered the lifting of curfew in Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar police station areas from 2 pm on Thursday.

ASI Takes Action to Secure Aurangzeb's Tomb

In response to the demand from right-wing organisations to remove Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has put up tin sheets on two sides of the structure for protection. Further, a circular fence will be installed around the tomb as per the directive of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district administration to ensure safety and avoid further unrest.

Community Leaders Call for Impartial Probe

Muslim community leaders in Nagpur have expressed concern over the handling of the situation and have called for an impartial investigation. They held a press conference on Thursday and urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to meet with representatives of both communities to establish peace and harmony.

Timeline of Events Leading to Violence

• VHP-led protests over Aurangzeb’s tomb: The agitation began after VHP activists demanded the removal of the tomb, alleging it was a symbol of oppression.
• Rumours of a ‘chadar’ burning: Misinformation about a holy cloth being desecrated during the protests spread quickly on social media.
• Outbreak of violence in Nagpur: The spread of misinformation led to mob violence and vandalism, causing extensive damage to public and private property.
• Police arrests and sedition charges: Authorities arrested Fahim Khan and other key accused, charging them with sedition and inciting violence.

Impact on Law and Order

The Nagpur violence has not only raised concerns about communal harmony but also highlighted the dangers of misinformation on social media. Authorities are closely monitoring online platforms to prevent further unrest and have urged citizens to verify information before sharing.

Next Steps in Investigation

With police custody extended till March 22, the Nagpur police plan to question the accused in detail, especially focusing on the role of social media in inciting violence. Fahim Khan’s activities and his connections with other accused will be probed thoroughly. The police are also analyzing the content shared online to trace the origin of inflammatory videos and messages.

ASI’s Protective Measures for Aurangzeb's Tomb

The ASI’s decision to cover Aurangzeb’s tomb with tin sheets and install a fence has been taken as a precautionary measure to avoid future flare-ups. The district administration has assured that adequate security arrangements will be in place around the structure to prevent any untoward incidents.

Conclusion

As Nagpur returns to normalcy after days of unrest, authorities continue to investigate the causes of the violence and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The arrest of key accused Fahim Khan and others is expected to shed more light on the conspiracy behind the violence. Meanwhile, the lifting of curfew and protective measures around Aurangzeb’s tomb aim to restore peace and stability in the region.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Arisinfra Solutions Limited, Desco Infratech Limited, ATC Energies System Limited, Shri Ahimsa Naturals Limited.

The Current active IPO are Rapid Fleet Management Services, Active Infrastructures Limited,Grand Continental Hotels.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.