Lagatar24 Desk
Nagpur: The Nagpur police have arrested Fahim Shamim Khan (38), a leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), for allegedly being the key planner behind the violent clashes that shook the city on Monday night.
The unrest led to widespread arson, stone-pelting, and attacks on law enforcement officers, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in the affected areas.
The violence erupted in the Mahal locality around 8:30 PM following tensions over the Aurangzeb tomb controversy. The clash, triggered by a protest organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, quickly escalated into large-scale disorder.
During the confrontation, more than 10 anti-riot commandos, three IPS officers, and two firefighters sustained injuries, while multiple civilians were also harmed. The rioters set fire to two JCB machines and around 40 vehicles, while police vans were targeted and damaged.
Khan, a resident of Yashodhara Nagar, was identified as a key suspect in an 18-page FIR filed at Ganeshpeth Police Station. Authorities released footage allegedly showing him delivering a provocative speech just before the violence erupted. Police sources revealed that Khan had previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against BJP leader Nitin Gadkari but received only around 1,400 votes. Following his arrest, he was remanded in police custody until March 21.
Law enforcement agencies have registered five FIRs against 51 individuals in connection with the violence. One report includes a serious allegation of a woman police officer being harassed by a rioter during the chaos. Investigators are actively working to track down the accused responsible for the assault.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal visited the affected areas on Wednesday and confirmed that no further incidents had been reported since the imposition of the curfew. To maintain order, around 2,000 security personnel, including Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Riot Control Police (RCP), have been stationed across sensitive zones.
Meanwhile, VHP supporters held a demonstration at Mahal, demanding strict action against those involved in the riots. Many called for a boycott of businesses linked to individuals they accused of instigating the violence. VHP Vidarbha chief Govind Shende urged authorities to conduct a thorough probe, alleging that the riot was premeditated and not a spontaneous outburst.
