'Chhava Movie Has Ignited People's Anger Against Aurangzeb': Maha CM Fadnavis On Nagpur Violence

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seemed to explain the violence that engulfed Nagpur as relating to the Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava. “I am not blaming any film, but Chhaava has presented the true history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. After that, people’s emotions have been ignited, and the anger towards Aurangzeb is coming to the forefront” the Chief Minister told the state legislature on Tuesday.

(“Mi Kuthlyahi Cinema la dosh det nahi, Pan Chhava Cinema mule lokanchya bhavana prajvalit zalya. Lokancha Aurangzeb baddal cha raag baher yetoy”)

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Gives A Detailed Sequence Of Events

Giving a detailed sequence of events, he said that the violence broke out in Nagpur, which happens to be home constituency of the Chief Minister, following a protest on March 17 demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. What started as a demonstration soon escalated as religious rumours spread, leading to arson, attacks on homes, and clashes with the police, leaving several officers and civilians injured.

Addressing the Legislative Assembly, CM Devendra Fadnavis gave a detailed statement Fadnavis said that at 11:30 AM, workers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest in Nagpur’s Mahal area, raising slogans demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. In the process, they burned a tomb fashioned out of hay symbolising Aurangzeb's tomb. A case was registered against the protesters under sections 299, 37(1)(3), and 135 at 3:09 PM. Later in the evening, rumours spread that the fabric on the burned effigy of the tomb had religious text inscribed on it. After evening prayers, a crowd of 200–250 people gathered, chanting slogans.

Simultaneously statements threatening arson had been made, prompting the police to use force. There followed a demand that a complaint be filed against Bajrang Dal, which was registered at the Ganeshpeth police station. Soon another mob of 200–300 people, with their faces covered and armed with sticks, began pelting stones in the Hansapuri area. Twelve two-wheelers were damaged as a result. Some weapons had also been used in perpetrating the violence. At 7.30 pm. in the Bhaldarpura area, protesters attacked the police. This forced law enforcement to use tear gas and mild force to control the situation.

In the violence, a crane, two JCBs, and several other vehicles were set on fire. A total of 33 police personnel were injured, including three deputy commissioner-level officers. One police officer had been attacked with an axe. Five civilians were injured as well—three were treated and discharged, while one remains in the ICU. Three cases have been registered at the Ganeshpeth police station. Authorities have imposed a curfew in the jurisdiction of 11 police stations, including Tehsil, Kotwali, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Ganeshpeth, Sakkardara, Imamwada, Yashodhanagar, Kapilnagar, and Nandanvan. Five SRPF (State Reserve Police Force) units have been deployed in the affected areas. The state’s Director General of Police (DGP) held a video conference with all Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs), instructing them to maintain law and order across Maharashtra.

While detailing the incidents, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis repeatedly emphasised that the attack on the police would not be tolerated. He said it was evident that some individuals were following a pre-planned pattern, and strict action will be taken against them. Those who attacked the police will not be spared. He urged the public to maintain law and order.

“While these emotions are being expressed in certain places, it is crucial to maintain law and order in the state. I urge everyone to remain calm, but I also warn that anyone who attempts to incite violence will face strict action, regardless of their caste or religion, ” the Chief Minister declared.