Violence once again rocked Nashik city late on Tuesday night after a team from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), supported by police personnel, moved in to demolish an allegedly illegal dargah in the Kathe Galli area of Dwarka. What started as a planned municipal action quickly turned chaotic, leaving 11 police officers and 4 civic officials injured in a large-scale stone-pelting incident. The confrontation also resulted in the damage of five government vehicles, escalating religious tensions in the region.

Power Outage and Mob Violence

According to initial reports, a power outage occurred just before midnight, which was soon followed by the arrival of the demolition team. Taking advantage of the blackout, a large mob of over 400 people gathered in protest, reportedly after misinformation spread through local channels and word of mouth. Despite the presence of over 500 police personnel, the crowd began to hurl stones at the officials and vehicles present, compelling the authorities to resort to tear gas shelling to bring the situation under control.

Demolition Backed by Court Orders

The structure in question had earlier been declared illegal by a court order, following an extended legal process. On April 1, 2025, the Nashik Municipal Corporation served a notice for voluntary removal of the structure, providing a 15-day window. As no action was taken by the occupants or community members, the civic body moved ahead with the planned demolition on April 16, in adherence to the legal mandate.

This wasn’t the first instance of encroachment clearance in the area. On February 22, the municipal body had also removed other unauthorised religious structures, part of a wider campaign to reclaim public land. Officials noted that the current demolition was in continuation of that earlier effort, carried out after the structure in question had been declared unauthorised and illegal by the local judiciary.

Religious Groups and the Temple Demand

The matter had been simmering for months, particularly since February, when the Sakal Hindu Samaj, an umbrella group representing several Hindu organisations, had submitted a formal demand to demolish the dargah and construct a Hanuman temple at the same location. The group had even announced a large protest for February 22, but the district administration responded by imposing curfew orders and detaining religious leaders to prevent escalation.

These demands for the temple came on the back of claims that the dargah had no valid religious or historical significance and had allegedly been constructed without any legal documentation or government clearance. The municipal body's affidavit in court reiterated these concerns and was central in the court’s decision to label the structure as illegal.

Political and Administrative Response

Following the violence, Nashik Police have altered traffic routes in and around the Kathe Galli and Dwarka areas. Additional forces have been deployed to maintain peace and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Senior police officers are monitoring the situation closely, and a formal inquiry into the incident has been initiated to identify the instigators behind the mob violence.

Speaking to reporters early Wednesday morning, a senior civic official confirmed that the demolition was carried out in compliance with judicial directives. He further added that such actions were necessary to ensure that all unauthorised structures—regardless of religious affiliation—are dealt with equally under the law.

Meanwhile, the injured police officers and civic officials are undergoing treatment at local hospitals. Their condition is said to be stable, and no fatalities have been reported. The five damaged vehicles, including one municipal van and four police jeeps, have been sent for repair.

Social Media and Spread of Misinformation

Local authorities suspect that social media played a critical role in escalating the situation. Within minutes of the demolition team’s arrival, unverified rumours started circulating on WhatsApp and Facebook groups, falsely claiming that multiple religious sites were under attack. This misinformation led to a massive gathering in the area, which quickly spiraled out of control.

To counter this, Nashik Police are in the process of tracking down the origin of these rumours. Cybercrime units have been tasked with identifying and booking individuals responsible for spreading inciteful content.

Curfew Not Ruled Out

While the situation has been brought under control, local authorities have not ruled out the possibility of curfew or Section 144 imposition if further tensions arise. Schools in nearby localities have been advised to remain closed as a precautionary measure, and residents have been requested to stay indoors unless necessary.

Rising Tensions and Communal Sensitivities

This incident has once again brought attention to the delicate communal balance in cities like Nashik, where past episodes have shown how religious structures—legal or otherwise—can become flashpoints for larger unrest. The latest episode comes at a time when national debates around religious rights, encroachments, and minority protections are already heated, particularly in the wake of legislative changes such as the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.

With political, religious, and civil society stakeholders reacting sharply to recent demolitions, the state government is now under pressure to ensure neutral enforcement of municipal and court orders while maintaining law and order.

Public Sentiment and Social Harmony

On-ground reports suggest that while the majority of Nashik’s residents support lawful action against illegal structures, there’s growing concern over the manner and timing of these actions. Local community leaders have urged both communities to maintain peace and allow legal processes to unfold without resorting to violence.

Efforts are also being made to initiate inter-faith dialogues and community meetings to prevent future flare-ups. Senior police officers and district officials are scheduled to meet with representatives from both Hindu and Muslim organisations later today.

Conclusion

The Nashik incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between law, religion, and community sentiment in India. While the demolition was carried out following due legal process, the resultant violence exposes deep-rooted anxieties and communal fault lines that continue to persist. As the investigation continues and the city returns to normalcy, it becomes imperative for authorities to uphold justice while simultaneously ensuring communal harmony through transparent communication and equal enforcement of the law.

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