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Pravin Datke, Maharashtra. BJP MLA accused Nagpur’s Mahal area violent clashes as “preplanned”, and targeted houses and shops were looted. He also stated that prior to the violence, CCTV cameras were willfully destroyed, and mobs with sticks and rods made coordinated attacks.
The rioting, which started on the evening of March 17, witnessed huge arson, stone-pelting, and lathi-charge against police personnel. Over 50 rioters have been arrested so far as the machinery of law and order began combing operations to bring back normalcy in the area.
Addressing reporters Datke was angry at the police response. “Everything was staged,” he asserted. “All the cameras initially, and then weapons were used to commit acts of violence. The mob only looted a few houses and shops. It is unfortunate that yesterday, the police couldn’t guard some citizens.”
Unrest Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb Leads to Violence
The violence broke out after a protest near Aurangzeb’s tomb. The protest, which was a joint event by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, turned violent when right-wing activists were accused of torching effigies of Aurangzeb and a religious ‘chadar’ outside Shivaji Putla Square.
With some time passing by, members of another society arrived in bulk and compelled the authorities to respond in advance. The situation immediately went out of control and resulted in instances of violence, stoning, burning, and assault on police authorities.
Violence Near RSS HQ, More Than 50 Detained
The Mahal area, just 2 km from high-security Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) offices, was the flashpoint. Thousands of individuals torched 40 vehicles, including JCB diggers, hijacked police vans, and looted some offices and shops.
At least 10 anti-riot commandos, two IPS officers, and two firemen were seriously injured. A police constable is battling for his life in a government hospital.
MLA Pravin Datke’s Complaints
BJP MLA Pravin Datke, who was present at the spot early on the following morning, blamed police lethargy in spite of repeated warnings. He blamed the administration for having their ears stuck with cotton on repeated pleas made by local leaders.
“We tried to contact PI Sanjay Singh for two hours, but his mobile was turned off. When the police arrived here, it was all over. The larger chunk of the mob was from outside the city,” Datke asserted. He also informed that the faces of the culprits were clicked on seized DVRs and would be delivered to the police.
Curfew Imposed
To avoid further unrest, the government also imposed a Section 163 curfew in Mahal, Chitnis Park Chowk, and Bhaldarpura.
Citizens were urged to remain calm by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari as the situation became more tense. “Nagpur has been a peaceful city where citizens live peacefully together. Citizens are requested not to believe rumors and help the law officials,” Fadnavis stated.
Guardian Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule had visited the affected locations and promised to take strong action against the perpetrators. “Nobody will be spared,” he promised, and revealed that forensic experts were following the CCTV tapes in an attempt to locate the perpetrators.
Heavy Police Deployment and Riot Control Measures
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal was forced to intervene by deploying more than 1,000 security force personnel to quell violence. Special anti-riot vehicles like ‘Varun’ (water cannon) and ‘Vajra’ (tear gas unit) were deployed to force mobs back.
Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and intelligence units were also deployed to evaluate any possible security threats.
Misinformation on Social Media Played Its Part
Lawmakers recognized that misinformation circulating on the web was the major source of violence. Misleading statements and half-truths were controlling social media, enraging and organizing mobs across the divide.
Police authorities mobilized peace committees on the ground to stop violence and called on community leaders to step in and calm tensions. All these in vain, isolated incidents of stoning were encountered late at night.
Ongoing Investigation and Measures to Restore Normalcy
The government assured the nation that the culprits will be brought to court. Forensic analysts are also processing CCTV DVR logs, which were obtained from the premises, in an attempt to identify participants who turned violent.
A passionate writer, Niharika wants to create an impact as she believes that Journalism is not just a profession, but a passion to follow and live in. With a keen eye for storytelling and a commitment to impactful writing. she strives to inform, engage, and inspire through the pieces that she crafts. Niharika has covered the 38th National Games, getting to know the lives of athletes and players closely. When not writing she is listening to music, or browsing through social media for more meaningful topics to cover.
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