Targeted Attacks on Hindu Homes Follow Aurangzeb Protest in Nagpur: Were CCTV cameras tampered?

Nagpur: Violent communal clashes erupted in Nagpur on Monday, reportedly triggered by rumors that a holy book was desecrated during a right-wing demonstration demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. The situation rapidly escalated into widespread arson and vandalism, forcing police to deploy tear gas and resort to lathi charges as the city descended into chaos.

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The violence has left nearly 30 police personnel injured and prompted authorities to impose prohibitory orders banning large gatherings across affected areas. Police officials confirmed that over 60 rioters have been detained as investigations continue into what local BJP representatives are calling a "pre-planned" attack.

Timeline of Escalation

The day began peacefully with devotees gathering between 7-9 am to celebrate Shiv Jayanti in front of a statue of Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mahal area. However, tensions emerged around noon when approximately 40-50 workers affiliated with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal organized a demonstration calling for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb.

During this protest, demonstrators covered an effigy of the Mughal emperor with a 'chadar' (ceremonial cloth) before setting it ablaze. Shortly afterward, rumors began circulating on social media platforms alleging that a holy book had been desecrated during the demonstration.

The situation remained tense but controlled until early evening, when between 5-7 pm, young men from the Muslim community began gathering in significant numbers, chanting slogans in protest of the alleged desecration. Within hours, thousands had taken to the streets, initially targeting police with stones.

By 7:30 pm, the violence had escalated dramatically. Vehicles were torched, homes in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas were pelted with stones, and a construction crane was set ablaze. Police initially attempted to control the crowd with baton charges but were eventually forced to fire tear gas shells as the situation spiraled out of control.

"Pre-Planned Attack"

Pravin Datke, BJP MLA from Nagpur Central, has categorically stated that the violence was orchestrated in advance. "This entire thing was pre-planned. After an agitation on Monday morning, an incident took place at Ganesh Peth police station, then everything was normal," Datke explained.

According to the MLA, the violence targeted specific communities: "Later, the mob entered only Hindu houses and shops... First, all the cameras were broken, and then the violence was carried out with weapons in a pre-planned manner."

The deliberate disabling of CCTV cameras before the main wave of violence has raised serious concerns about the coordinated nature of the attacks. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that surveillance footage from multiple locations shows cameras being systematically damaged before the most intense phase of rioting began.

Digital Investigation Underway

The Maharashtra Police's cyber wing has launched an extensive investigation into over 100 social media accounts suspected of inflaming tensions by spreading misinformation. Officials report that numerous videos with inflammatory content began circulating shortly after the original demonstration, potentially contributing to the rapid mobilization of protesters.

Authorities have issued urgent appeals to the public to exercise caution regarding information shared on social media platforms, particularly noting that several old videos from unrelated incidents are being falsely circulated as current events in Nagpur.

Immediate Response and Current Situation

The initial police response resulted in the detention of more than 25 rioters, with dozens more apprehended as reinforcements arrived. Reports indicate that 5-6 civilians sustained injuries during the confrontations, though this figure may increase as more victims seek medical attention.

Law enforcement has established checkpoints throughout affected neighborhoods and deployed additional personnel to sensitive areas. The prohibitory orders implemented under Section 144 will remain in effect until authorities are confident that community tensions have sufficiently subsided.

Maharashtra Home Department officials have called for calm while assuring residents that those responsible for orchestrating the violence will face appropriate legal consequences. Community leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities have been invited to participate in peace dialogues aimed at restoring harmony.

Historical Context

Tensions regarding Aurangzeb's historical legacy have been simmering across parts of Maharashtra for several years. The Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1658 to 1707, remains a controversial figure in Indian history, particularly regarding his religious policies and treatment of Hindu temples and institutions.

Similar demonstrations calling for the removal of historical monuments connected to Aurangzeb have occurred in other Maharashtra cities, though most have concluded without significant violence.

Local authorities are working with community leaders to address underlying tensions while maintaining a visible security presence in affected neighborhoods. Schools and colleges in the impacted areas will remain closed as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues into both the initial demonstration and the subsequent violent response.

As Nagpur recovers from this outbreak of violence, questions remain about the role of social media in amplifying communal tensions and the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to prevent rumors from triggering widespread civil unrest.