– Mohammed Atharulla Shareef
Nagpur: Minority Democratic Party (MDP) leader Fahim Shamim Khan was arrested for leading a protest outside a Nagpur police station on Monday, officials said.
Khan was among over 50 people arrested in connection with Monday night’s violence, which left several police personnel injured. Police are probing his role in instigating riots.
An FIR stated that 50-60 people, led by Khan, gathered unlawfully outside Ganeshpeth police station to submit a memorandum against a VHP protest held earlier that day.
Later, Khan and eight others went to Bhaldarpura, where 500-600 people had gathered near Shivaji Maharaj Chowk. He was arrested soon after.
A Yashodhara Nagar resident, Khan contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against BJP’s Nitin Gadkari, securing around 1,400 votes.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Virender Singal said investigations were ongoing to identify the attackers and verify the roles of those named in the FIR. “Some names have come up. Police will investigate their involvement, criminal backgrounds, and any plans for violence.”
Six FIRs have been registered. Violence erupted in central Nagpur amid rumors that a ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions was burnt during VHP-Bajrang Dal protests demanding Aurangzeb’s tomb removal in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis denied the ‘chadar’ burning claims. Over 50 people were detained, and curfew was imposed in parts of Nagpur.
A defense lawyer claimed arrested individuals included computer engineers and schoolboys, calling many innocent. Advocate Asif Qureshi said 27 accused were presented in court, with 11 sent for medical checks. They were remanded in police custody for two days.
“Most accused were at home during the violence,” he claimed, adding that students and professionals returning home for Ramzan were among those arrested.
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal visited affected areas and confirmed no new incidents since the curfew.
Security remains tight, with 2,000 armed personnel, QRTs, and Riot Control Police patrolling under a DCP’s command. Authorities are closely monitoring the tense situation.
