Nagpur Violence: Local Politician Fahim Khan Arrested After Police Probe Organised Involvement

Nagpur: The police on Wednesday, March 19, arrested Fahim Khan, a local politician from the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), for allegedly inciting the recent communal violence in the city. The clashes erupted over demands to relocate Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb from Maharashtra.

Authorities confirmed that Khan, identified as a key instigator, has been remanded in custody until Friday. So far, 60 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest.

Meanwhile, police are investigating whether the violence was orchestrated by an individual or a larger organisation. Six cases have been registered, with complaints filed against 1,200 people. Of these, fewer than 200 have been named, while efforts are underway to trace the others.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday termed the Nagpur violence a "premeditated conspiracy" by unidentified individuals.

Fadnavis stated that tensions escalated after Hindu protesters, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal members, burned a symbolic grave made of grass bundles. Rumors then spread that the green cloth covering it contained religious text, fueling the unrest.

Fadnavis also controversially linked the violence to the Hindi film Chhava, which depicts the Marathas’ battle against the Mughals, drawing criticism from the opposition.

How Did the Violence Escalate?

Violence erupted in Nagpur late Monday, with mobs vandalizing shops, homes, and torching vehicles across the city. The unrest holds significance as Nagpur is home to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, the ideological base of the ruling BJP.

Following Friday prayers, a crowd of around 250 gathered, shouting slogans. As threats of arson emerged, police intervened to control the situation.

According to complaints, the protest turned violent when the crowd began pelting stones and hurling petrol bombs at the police. Officers were also reportedly attacked with weapons, prompting police action to protect civilians.

Allegations of sexual harassment against female officers have also surfaced. Amid accusations of inaction from both sides—claims refuted by the police—38 people were injured, including 33 officers. One cop was even assaulted with an axe, Fadnavis confirmed, as per a report by NDTV.