‘Nagpur violence pre-planned’, says Maharashtra CM Fadnavis
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Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday that the violence that broke out in Nagpur was in all likelihood a ‘planned incident’, The Indian Express reported.
Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal numbering more than 200 came out on the streets on Monday demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.
The late emperor was burnt in effigy by the mob which reportedly sparked rumours that a holy book was being desecrated.
In the ensuring violence four policemen were injured and several vehicles were torched.
As the rumours spread on social media, a mob of about 100 people came out, pelting stones at the police.
The Nagpur police resorted to firing tear gas and lathi charge to remove the mob in Chitnis Park and Mahal, just as violence spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth.
Chief Minister Fadnavis told the Assembly that ‘After the morning incident, there was silence. By evening, some people attacked in a pre-planned manner. We found a trolley full of stones and weapons were also found which had been seized. Selected houses and establishments were targeted.’
Calling the violence seemingly a ‘planned incident’, Fadnavis added that action would be taken against those attacked the police, making it clear that ‘It will not be tolerated. The police were trying to maintain peace.’
Appealing for calm, the chief minister said: ‘This is a period when festivals of all religions are ongoing. Everyone must keep patience and respect others.’
Referencing the movie ‘Chhaava’, the Chief Minister said the movie based on the life Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji brought to fore ‘the real history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’, adding that ‘the emotions of people are overflowing ‘.
Fadnavis, while saying that the people are showing anger against Aurangzeb, urged everybody to be restraint in order to maintain law and order, because ‘Maharashtra is getting investment’, adding that ‘I warn everyone that anyone who will disturb the law and order will not be spared.’
The Maharashtra CM said that VHP and Bajrang Dal workers protested at 11.30 am on Monday alongside burning of replica of the tomb demanding removal of the tomb of Aurangazeb, ‘by evening a rumour spread that the tomb had a sheet with religious text. A mob of 200-300 became aggressive and shouted slogans’.