Violence erupted in Nagpur on Monday, reportedly triggered by rumours of a holy book being desecrated during a demonstration by right-wing groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The unrest led to large-scale arson and vandalism, with several vehicles set on fire as clashes broke out between the two communities. Police had to use tear gas and baton charges to regain control of the situation.

In the Chitnis Park and Mahal areas, stones were hurled at residential homes, further escalating tensions. Nearly 30 police personnel were injured in the clashes, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders banning large gatherings. Police have detained over 60 individuals involved in the violence.

Nagpur Central BJP MLA Pravin Datke alleged that the violence was premeditated, claiming that all CCTV cameras in the area had been damaged. "This entire thing was pre-planned. After an agitation on Monday morning, an incident took place at Ganesh Peth police station, then everything was normal. Later, the mob entered only Hindu houses and shops... First, all the cameras were broken, and then the violence was carried out with weapons in a pre-planned manner," he stated.

A violent clash between two groups in Nagpur’s Mahal area led to prohibitory orders being imposed in the city. During the unrest, around 25 motorcycles and three cars were set on fire. As tensions persisted, another outbreak of violence occurred in the Hansapuri area late Monday night between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm. A mob went on a rampage, setting multiple vehicles ablaze and vandalising houses and a clinic, according to reports from news agency PTI.

Between 7 and 9 am, devotees gathered in front of the statue of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mahal area to celebrate Shiv Jayanti. Around noon, 40-50 members from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. During the demonstration, they covered an effigy of the Mughal emperor with a ‘chadar’ and set it on fire.

Shortly after, rumours began circulating about the desecration of a holy book, and several related videos spread on social media, according to officials quoted by PTI. Many Muslim youths gathered in the area between 5 and 7 pm, shouting slogans. Within a short time, thousands took to the streets and began pelting stones at the police.

By 7:30 pm, the violence escalated sharply, with cars and motorcycles set on fire and stones hurled at several homes in the area. A crane was also torched. Initially, the police attempted to control the situation with baton charges, but as tensions rose, they resorted to firing tear gas shells. More than 25 rioters were taken into custody, while 5-6 civilians sustained injuries during the unrest. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Police's cyber wing has investigated over 100 social media accounts suspected of inciting the violence. Authorities have urged the public to ignore rumours, as old videos are circulating online to spread misinformation.