Union minister Nitin Gadkari appealed for peace and harmony on Monday amid violence in parts of Nagpur city of Maharashtra. The Nagpur MP’s appeal followed after unrest erupted in central Nagpur amid rumors that a holy book of the Muslim community had been burned during a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
“Nagpur’s history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any kind of rumours and to maintain peace. Do not come out onto the streets. Cooperate with the law and order system. Preserve the tradition of peace and harmony that this city is known for,” Gadkari said in a video message posted by news agency ANI on X.
#WATCH | Nagpur (Maharashtra) violence: Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari says, “Due to certain rumors, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. The city’s history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any… pic.twitter.com/1xF8YnOIMk
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025
He called on citizens to support the administration in upholding law and order and preserving communal harmony. Assuring strict action against those responsible for unlawful activities, Gadkari added that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is closely monitoring the situation.
Bajrang Dal Denies Allegation Of Burning Of Holy Book
The violence left four persons injured, prompting the police to fire tear gas shells and resort to a cane charge to disperse the mob in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas. According to officials, the violence spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth by late afternoon, with the Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao road belt being the worst affected, news agency PTI reported.
Rioters reportedly set fire to some four-wheelers, and stones were also thrown at residents’ homes. Thousands of people were allegedly part of the mob, leading to heightened tensions. The unrest began in the afternoon when Bajrang Dal members staged a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area.
Soon after, rumours of the Quran being burnt during the agitation spread, triggering outrage among the Muslim community. Videos of the demonstration circulated on social media, further escalating the situation. A complaint was subsequently filed at the Ganeshpeth police station, alleging the burning of the holy book.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal office-bearers denied the allegations, claiming they had only burnt an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their protest.
ALSO READ | Violence Erupts In Nagpur Over Quran Burning Rumours, 20 Detained, Fadnavis Calls For Calm
