THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Nagpur, March 18: After violent clashes erupted late Monday night in Mahal and Hansapuri areas of Nagpur in Maharashtra, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been imposed in several parts of the city.
According to Police Commissioner Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singal, a curfew has been enforced in the police station areas of Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar in Nagpur, which will remain in effect until further orders.
Violence over rumours of religious scripture being burned
According to the police, members of Bajrang Dal were protesting near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mahal, Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Monday late evening. During the protest, a miscreant spread a rumour that a religious scripture had been burned during the agitation for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, which led to outrage among members of the Muslim community.
A complaint regarding the incident was also filed at Ganeshpeth police station. Following this, large numbers of people from the Muslim community began gathering in different parts of the Mahal area. During this time, a dispute broke out between the two groups, which eventually escalated into violence.
Also Read- Dry weather to prevail across Jharkhand today
After Mahal, violence erupted in the Hansapuri area around 10-11 PM on Monday night following a clash between two groups. The enraged mob vandalized shops and set several vehicles on fire. Heavy stone-pelting also took place, injuring several people, including police personnel. Taking action in the matter, the police have so far detained around 60 to 65 people.
Strict action against those inciting tension in society- CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the tense situation that unfolded in Nagpur’s Mahal area, calling it highly deplorable. He stated that some individuals even pelted stones at the police, which was unacceptable, and assured that he was closely monitoring the situation.
He instructed the police commissioner to take all necessary strict measures to maintain law and order. Emphasizing firm action, he stated that anyone involved in rioting, attacking the police, or inciting tension in society would face severe consequences.
Fadnavis also urged everyone to ensure that Nagpur’s peace remained intact, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to create unrest.
