Fadnavis Blames Nagpur Violence on ‘Well-Organized Mob,’ 33 Cops Injured

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed concern on Tuesday, labeling the recent communal violence in Nagpur as a well-planned conspiracy. He revealed that the mob involved in the violence appeared to have deliberately targeted specific homes and businesses, raising questions about the organized nature of the attack.

While addressing the legislative assembly, Devendra Fadnavis stated that 33 police officers, including three deputy commissioners, were injured during the violence, with one senior official being assaulted with an axe. A minimum of 12 police officers, including three deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), were injured in the violence that broke out in central Nagpur.

“A group of people in a planned pattern attacked police personnel, with an intention of disturbing social harmony in parts of Nagpur. Thirty-three police personnel, including three DCPs, have been injured severely. Five citizens have been injured, and one of them is admitted to the ICU,” Fadnavis said.

“Nobody, irrespective of their religious identity, involved in the attack on police officers will be spared,” the chief minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, asserted.

Fadnavis also alleged that the mob was armed and had a trolley filled with stones, which were gathered with the deliberate intent to disrupt law and order. A curfew has been enforced in multiple areas of Nagpur city following a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb on Monday, which escalated into violence, resulting in the vandalism of several houses and vehicles.As tensions rise over the Nagpur violence, Fadnavis linked the public's anger towards Aurangzeb to the Chhaava movie and urged people to uphold peace.

"The Chhaava movie has ignited people's anger against Aurangzeb, but still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful. Law and order should be maintained. If anyone riots, we will take action regardless of caste or religion," the Maharashtra CM said."Complaint of Muslim delegation was received by police, and it was taking action," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde alleged that there was a conspiracy aimed at targeting a particular community. Describing the Nagpur violence as "unfortunate," Eknath Shinde urged the public to maintain peace in the state and stated that the police are looking into whether the incident was a "pre-planned conspiracy," according to reports. 

"The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. 4 DCP level officers were injured in this incident. The CM 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.

He added that people should not try and incite violence between two communities.

"Who is Aurangzeb? Is he a saint? Has he done any good work? One should read the history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and watch Chhava movies. They tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days. Aurangzeb was a traitor. Aurangzeb's grave is a blot on Maharashtra. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj," he added.

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