Nagpur, March 19: Fahim Khan, leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), has been arrested in connection with the violence that erupted in Nagpur on the night of March 17. Khan, who was allegedly at the forefront of a protest outside the Ganeshpeth police station, was taken into custody on Wednesday. This marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the disturbances that resulted in several police officers sustaining injuries.
Khan, along with more than 50 others, has been detained by the authorities in connection with the violent incident. The police are currently probing whether Khan played a central role in instigating or inciting the unrest that ensued. According to officials, his involvement is being scrutinized, and further investigations will determine whether criminal charges related to incitement of riots or unlawful assembly should be pursued.
On the night of March 17, a group of around 50 to 60 individuals, allegedly led by Khan, gathered unlawfully outside the Ganeshpeth police station. The group’s protest was reportedly in response to an earlier demonstration organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a right-wing Hindu nationalist group, which took place earlier that same day. The protesters, led by Khan, submitted a memorandum to the police, voicing their objections to the VHP’s activities. However, what started as a peaceful protest soon turned violent, with clashes erupting between the demonstrators and the police.
The FIR (First Information Report) filed against Khan alleges that the gathering was unlawful and that the demonstration led by him contributed to the escalation of the tensions. The authorities are investigating the specifics of the protest, trying to determine whether there was any premeditated attempt to provoke a larger confrontation or if the situation spiraled out of control due to mismanagement or external influence.
As the investigation continues, the police are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have played a significant role in the violence. The events of March 17 have raised concerns about the potential for communal tensions in the city, with both the police and local leaders calling for restraint and cooperation to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
