The clashes come amid a massive controversy over the Aurangzeb tomb in Sambhaji Nagar, with Hindu outfits like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) seeking its demolition. The two groups also held protests in Nagpur on Monday morning, hours before the clashes broke out.
An earlier version of this copy said some Muslims groups alleged that a cloth with 'kalma' was burnt during the Aurangzeb protest. However, police have clarified that a rumour led to tensions in the city.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office said the police are managing the situation following stone-throwing incidents and rising tensions in Nagpur's Mahal area. "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens to fully cooperate with the administration," the statement said.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal said the situation in the city is currently peaceful. He explained that the unrest began after a photo was burned, which led to people gathering and raising concerns. The violence occurred around 8 to 8:30 p.m., during which two vehicles were torched and incidents of stone-pelting were reported. Dr Singal said the police are conducting combing operations to identify and arrest those involved.
"We have imposed Section 144 and everyone has been told to not step out unnecessarily or take the law in their hands. Do not believe rumours," he said.
The Nagpur rural police have been called in for assistance, and cyber police are working to curb the spread of rumours. The violence resulted in the burning of 25 to 30 two-wheelers and 2 to 3 cars.
Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged residents to remain calm following tensions in the city. "Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur," he said. Gadkari added that the government would take action against those responsible for any wrongdoing. "The Chief Minister has already been informed about the situation, so I request everyone to ignore rumours," he said.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal blamed the state home department for Monday's violence in Nagpur, calling it a failure on their part. He also accused ministers of "deliberately making provocative speeches" in recent days.
Maharashtra Minister and State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule has urged residents to prioritise peace and avoid rumours following the unrest in Nagpur. He emphasised that while an investigation will determine the cause of the violence, people should support the police in their efforts to maintain order. Bawankule called on political parties and leaders in Maharashtra to unite in promoting calm and reassuring the public that those responsible will be identified. He cautioned against politicising the incident, stressing the need to uphold Nagpur's reputation.
Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated quickly, with public property damaged and vehicles set on fire as the situation worsened. Videos from the scene showed burning vehicles and debris scattered across the area. Another video showed a JCB machine was set on fire during the protests.
Police personnel and Fire Brigade officials are present at the spot.