Tensions escalated in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on March 17, 2025, after violent protests erupted in response to rumors surrounding the desecration of the Quran. The violence, which was triggered by religious tensions and demands to remove the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, led to widespread destruction, including stone-pelting, vehicle arson, and injuries. Authorities imposed a curfew in several areas and took swift action to restore law and order.
What Led to the Nagpur Violence?
Rumors Surrounding the Quran Desecration
The violence in Nagpur was sparked by unfounded rumors that the Quran had been desecrated during a protest by a right-wing group. The protest, which was organized by groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, called for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad). The protesters allegedly burned a cloth inscribed with the Islamic "kalma," which caused outrage among Muslim groups in the city.
The rumors that the Quran was burned during the protest quickly spread, inflaming religious sentiments and leading to tensions in the area, particularly in the Mahal neighborhood of Nagpur.
Violent Clashes Erupt in Mahal
On the evening of March 17, 2025, tensions boiled over as stone-pelting began in the Mahal area. Eyewitnesses reported that mobs, including some masked individuals armed with sharp weapons and bottles, wreaked havoc on the streets. Local shops were vandalized, vehicles were set on fire, and police officers were targeted. At least four people were reported injured during the clashes, which spread quickly to other areas like Kotwali and Ganeshpeth.
Police Response
Curfew and Section 144 Imposed
In response to the violence, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal imposed Section 144 (prohibiting the gathering of more than four people) in several areas of the city. The curfew applied to the following police station limits:
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Kotwali
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Ganeshpeth
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Tehsil
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Lakadganj
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Pachpaoli
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Shantinagar
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Sakkardara
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Nandanvan
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Imamwada
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Yashodharanagar
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Kapilnagar
These areas were heavily affected by the violence, and the restrictions were put in place to prevent further unrest. Dr. Singal confirmed that the situation was under control but warned residents not to step out unnecessarily or engage in unlawful activities. The police also conducted combing operations to identify those responsible for the violence.
Eyewitness Accounts of Violence
Several locals shared harrowing accounts of the violence. An eyewitness from the Hansapuri area reported that a group of 500 to 1,000 people, their faces hidden with scarves, attacked shops and vehicles with stones and sharp weapons. According to the eyewitness, the mob torched around 8 to 10 vehicles and caused extensive damage to properties.
Another resident, Sunil Peshne, described how his family’s car was set on fire by the mob. He said, “A mob of 500-1000 people pelted stones... They vandalized around 25-30 vehicles.” His family also faced the brunt of the violence when stones were thrown at their house, even targeting children on the upper floors.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Explosions heard on vehicles that have been torched in Mahal area of Nagpur; tensions have broken out here following a dispute between two groups. pic.twitter.com/rssI72v8od— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
Political and Social Reactions to the Violence
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Condemns the Violence
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence and expressed his concern about the attacks on police officers. He stated, “The manner in which the situation became tense in Mahal area of Nagpur is highly condemnable. A few people pelted stones, even at the police. This is wrong.”
Fadnavis assured the public that the government was closely monitoring the situation and directed the police to take strict action against those responsible for disturbing public peace. He emphasized that violence would not be tolerated, and those involved would face severe consequences.
Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Blames Outsiders
Pyare Khan, Chairman of the Maharashtra Minority Commission, offered a different perspective on the violence. He argued that the violence was not instigated by locals but by “outsiders” who had come to Nagpur and sparked unrest. Khan, while addressing the situation, called the incident "unfortunate" and urged everyone to maintain peace. He also stated that Nagpur, a city known for its communal harmony, had been a place where people of all faiths coexist peacefully.
Nitin Gadkari Appeals for Peace
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who hails from Nagpur, also made an appeal to restore peace in the city. He referred to the history of Nagpur, where multiple communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, have lived in harmony for years. Gadkari urged people not to believe in rumors and to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure peace. He assured citizens that the government would take action against anyone involved in illegal activities and emphasized the importance of unity.
Local Politicians Urge Calm
Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the Maharashtra Minister and State BJP chief, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need to restore peace in society. He urged Nagpur residents not to believe rumors and supported the police's efforts to manage the situation. Bawankule's comments emphasized that the priority was to uphold the law and prevent the spread of further unrest.
Role of Social Media and Rumors
Social media played a significant role in escalating the situation. As rumors about the burning of the Quran and the demands to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb spread, tensions mounted. Authorities warned against believing such rumors, which only fueled the violence and made it difficult for the police to control the crowds. Despite official statements and arrests, misinformation continued to spread, deepening the divide.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Efforts underway to douse fire in vehicles that have been torched in Mahal area of Nagpur.
Tensions have broken out here following a dispute between two groups. pic.twitter.com/rRheKdpGh4— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
Key Developments During the Unrest
Timeline of Events
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March 17, 2025 (Afternoon): The unrest began in the afternoon of March 17, 2025, after members of Bajrang Dal staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. This demonstration was centered around the demand to dismantle Aurangzeb's tomb, which had been the subject of controversy for some time. The protest soon turned violent, with stone-pelting and clashes erupting between groups.
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Evening: As the evening progressed, tensions reached a boiling point when the violence spread to nearby areas such as Kotwali and Ganeshpeth.
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8:00-8:30 PM: Stones were thrown at police officers, and the authorities had to resort to tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds. Rioters set fire to two JCBs and caused significant damage to public and private property.
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Night: In response, the police launched a combing operation in the affected areas, particularly Mahal, to identify and arrest the individuals involved in the violence. At least 20 people had been detained by the time of the report. Authorities also analyzed CCTV footage and social media videos to identify perpetrators of the unrest. Authorities imposed Section 144, imposed curfew in several areas.
#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence: A JCB machine set ablaze during violence in Mahal area of Nagpur. Tensions have broken out here following a dispute between two groups.
Police personnel and Fire Brigade officials are present at the spot. pic.twitter.com/JHrxAMIbCm— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
Police Control Measures
To control the violence, police deployed Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). These units were tasked with quelling the unrest and ensuring public safety. Tear gas shells were used to disperse crowds, and several baton charges were carried out to prevent the violence from spreading further.
In addition, additional police personnel were called in from other areas, and the authorities conducted regular patrols to monitor the situation. Authorities also analyzed CCTV footage and video clips from social media to identify the culprits involved in the violence. More than 20 people had been detained by the time of the report, and an FIR was lodged in connection with the unrest.
The Impact of the Violence
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Property Damage: The rioters caused extensive damage by setting fire to vehicles including two JCBs, and vandalizing shops. More than 25 vehicles were reported to have been torched. Locals reported vandalism in various parts of Mahal, where rioters smashed windows, looted shops, and torched cars.
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Injuries: Stone-pelting left several people injured, including police officers. At least four individuals were injured in the clashes, including a police officer. The stone-pelting and attacks on law enforcement caused further injuries.
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Social Impact: The violence disrupted daily life in Nagpur, particularly in the Mahal, Kotwali, and Ganeshpeth areas. The imposition of curfew and Section 144 served to limit the movement of residents and prevent further damage.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Morning visuals from the Mahal area of Nagpur, where a clash took place last night following a dispute between two groups. pic.twitter.com/U83N4nNULx— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
Ongoing Measures and Investigations
Police Operations and Arrests
As the situation begins to stabilize, the police are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend those involved in the violence. Over 20 individuals have been detained, and authorities are working with surveillance footage to identify others. The police have assured that swift legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of instigating or participating in the violence.
Authorities Call for Calm and Cooperation
Authorities have urged the residents of Nagpur to cooperate with law enforcement and reject the rumors that contributed to the violence. The situation is reportedly calm in areas outside the affected zones, and police continue to monitor sensitive locations.
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: A local from the Hansapuri area says, " They vandalised shops...they set fire to 8-10 vehicles" https://t.co/dulJLlh1kV pic.twitter.com/187EPOlWzC— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
The Path to Restoring Peace in Nagpur
The violence in Nagpur highlights the dangers of rumors and religious tensions within a community. Although the situation has now been brought under control, the damage caused by the unrest has left a scar on the city's long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence. Leaders from all political, religious, and social backgrounds are now working to restore calm and prevent further incidents.
Nagpur’s future depends on the collective efforts of its residents to resist divisive rumors and embrace the city’s tradition of harmony. Strict legal actions will be taken against those responsible for the violence, but lasting peace can only be achieved if everyone cooperates and promotes unity.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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