The civic authorities in Nagpur are set to demolish the unauthorised sections of a house belonging to Fahim Khan, a key accused in the recent communal violence that erupted in the city on 17 March.
Khan, a leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), has been booked for sedition and is currently in judicial custody.
A notice was recently issued by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to Khan, citing multiple building violations, including the lack of requisite approvals for the construction.
Officials stated that despite warnings, the unauthorised structures had not been removed, necessitating official action.
The house, located in Sanjay Bagh Colony in the Yashodhara Nagar area, is registered under the name of Khan’s wife, sources revealed.
Khan is among over 100 individuals arrested in connection with the violence, which was triggered by rumours that a ‘chadar’ bearing religious inscriptions had been set ablaze during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
The demonstrations had called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Also read: Curfew lifted after six days of Nagpur violence
The unrest saw widespread stone-pelting and arson, injuring 33 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners of Police.
The Maharashtra government has since declared that damages caused during the violence will be recovered from the rioters, failing which their properties will be seized and auctioned to compensate for the losses.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, asserted that his government would ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
“My government will not rest until those responsible for attacking the police are found and dealt with sternly,” he said.
The CM further stated that individuals who spread inflammatory content online would be treated as co-accused for inciting violence.
Fadnavis also commented on speculation regarding external influences in the unrest, stating that while the investigation was ongoing, it was “too early to comment on a foreign or Bangladeshi link.”
However, he pointed to possible connections with Malegaon, stating that one of the accused, linked to a political party from Malegaon, had allegedly aided the rioters.
The situation remains tense in parts of Nagpur, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further disturbances.
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