Nagpur: Authorities in Nagpur, Maharashtra, have arrested 14 more individuals in connection with recent riots, bringing the total number of detainees to 105. Among those arrested, 10 are juveniles. The police have also registered three new First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the incidents, reported the Times of India.
The unrest erupted on March 17 following rumors that a sheet bearing a “verse from the Quran” was burned during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)-led protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The demonstration sparked widespread violence, including stone-pelting and arson in several areas of the city.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Singhal confirmed the arrests and announced that curfew restrictions were being partially lifted in some localities. Areas under Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar police station limits saw curfew relaxation from 2 p.m. on March 20, while in Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, and Imambada, residents were allowed outside for two hours to purchase essential supplies.
The riots resulted in injuries to 33 police personnel, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank. Authorities have also booked the main accused, Faheem Khan, under charges of treason.
A Nagpur court has remanded 17 accused individuals to police custody until March 22, citing the severity of the charges and the evidence presented. The situation remains tense, with officials closely monitoring developments.
