The curfew in Nagpur remained in force for the second consecutive day across ten police station limits following violent clashes that erupted on 17 March.
Law enforcement authorities have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 51 individuals, including minors, under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Arms Act, the Maharashtra Police Act, and the Prevention of Public Property Damage Act at Ganeshpeth Police Station.
Police Inspector Jitendra Baburao Gadge, the complainant, stated that those named in the FIR are primarily residents of localities such as Jafar Nagar, Tajbagh, Mominpura, and Bhalaadapura.
The FIR details that the violence escalated when protesters hurled stones and petrol bombs at the police. Security personnel were also allegedly attacked with lethal weapons, including axes and iron rods.
Despite repeated warnings, the mob refused to disperse, endangering both police officers and civilians.
A particularly distressing incident recorded in the FIR alleges that, under cover of darkness, one accused attempted to disrobe a woman police officer on duty by forcefully tugging at her uniform.
Additionally, some women officers reportedly faced obscene gestures and misconduct at the hands of rioters.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi assured that the Maharashtra government is taking stringent measures against those responsible for the violence.
Also read: Nagpur violence: 50 arrested, curfew remains in force
“The government is handling the situation very well, and such things should not happen... It is not about this party or that party. Whoever has done wrong, Maharashtra government is taking action against them,” Joshi remarked.
Several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs also condemned the violence, which reportedly stemmed from demands to remove the grave of Aurangzeb.
BJP MP Ashok Chavan acknowledged the gravity of the incident but maintained that the situation was now under control.
He asserted, “This is a sad incident. Police have brought the situation under control, but it is not right to have communal riots on such issues in the country, especially in a progressive state like Maharashtra. The government has brought the entire situation under control. Police have detained many people. The truth will come out after investigation.”
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also appealed for peace, stating that authorities were probing whether the clashes were part of a larger conspiracy.
“The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. Four DCP-level officers were injured in this incident. The Chief Minister is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the Police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace,” Shinde said.
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