Nagpur Violence Pre-Planned, Claims CM Fadnavis; Opposition Demands Resignation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has referred to the recent Nagpur violence as a “pre-planned attack,” claiming that certain houses and institutions were targeted specifically. The clashes resulted in more than 30 people getting injured, including 15 police personnel, leading the authorities to declare an indefinite curfew in the areas.

Background of the Violence

The violence broke out after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal-organized protests demanding the demolition of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Aurangabad. Protesters torched effigies and demanded action against the place, and rumors about religious books being desecrated further agitated the situation.

There are reports that mobs vandalized public property, torched vehicles, and attacked law enforcement, prompting police to use tear gas and baton charges. A number of individuals who participated in the rioting have since been arrested by authorities.

CM Fadnavis Calls It a Conspiracy

Responding to the attack, CM Fadnavis claimed the assaults seemed “orchestrated” and stated that the state government would deal with the culprits with an iron fist. “It is evident that it was a planned act. Certain homes and establishments were chosen in a select manner, indicating that this was not a riot but an orchestrated conspiracy,” said Fadnavis. He assured that the culprits would be punished in accordance with the law.

Opposition Calls for Resignation

The opposition has been very critical of the government’s response. Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for orchestrating riots for political motives and demanded the resignation of Fadnavis. “Again and again, we have witnessed the BJP letting such incidents happen during its rule. This is a complete failure of the administration,” Thackeray stated.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshawardhan Sapkal also criticized Fadnavis’s statement, saying, “If the violence was premeditated, then it is a failure of law enforcement. The government has to be held responsible.”

Increased Security and Ongoing Investigation

In response to violence, authorities increased security in Nagpur with added forces to thwart further incidents. Law enforcement agencies are monitoring social media closely for misinformation and incendiary content. A few individuals who were spreading rumors have been held in question.

With tensions still running high, authorities are still probing the cause of the violence and those responsible for the unrest. The state government has promised stern action to restore peace and prevent future incidents of such violence.