69 Arrested in Nagpur Violence Over Aurangzeb Tomb Protests

Authorities confirm pre-planned unrest involving misinformation, online incitement, and provocative slogans, while curfews and investigations continue.

Communal violence erupted in Nagpur on March 17, 2025, after protests by right-wing groups over the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb escalated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the violence was pre-planned and vowed strict legal action against those responsible, including attacks on police personnel.
Authorities arrested 69 individuals, including Minority Democratic Party leader Fahim Shamim Khan, alleged to have orchestrated the unrest, and eight VHP and Bajrang Dal members who were later granted bail.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department identified over 140 online posts and videos inciting unrest, some linked to accounts operated from Bangladesh, as part of a coordinated effort to spread misinformation.
Investigations revealed incidents of molestation against a woman police officer during the violence, with authorities pursuing charges against the perpetrators.