Masha Midhath   18 March 2025 - 10:38 AM
A firefighter stands near the burning vehicles set on fire following clashes at the Chitnavis Park Square area, in Nagpur on March 17, 2025. (AFP)
A firefighter stands near the burning vehicles set on fire following clashes at the Chitnavis Park Square area, in Nagpur on March 17, 2025. (AFP)
Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of Nagpur, India after violent clashes erupted over a Hindu group’s demand to remove the tomb of 17th-century Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. At least 15 police officers were injured in the unrest, with one in serious condition.

The violence began when members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) burned an effigy of Aurangzeb and his tomb while chanting slogans for its removal from Aurangabad. Tensions escalated after Muslim groups marched near a police station, throwing stones at officers. Attackers, some masked and armed with sharp weapons, caused significant damage in the area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence and directed police to take strict action to restore order. The VHP denied involvement in the clashes, insisting that the tomb should be replaced with a memorial honoring Maratha rulers.

Nagpur, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, has seen rising communal tensions. Critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have accused him of failing to act against attacks on Muslims, though his government denies any bias.