Nagpur Clashes: 14 More arrested, total rises to 105

Nagpur police arrested 14 more people on Friday over the recent violence, raising the total number of arrests to 105. Among those detained, 10 are juveniles, according to a senior police official. Police also registered three additional FIRs related to the clashes.

The violence erupted on March 17 after rumors spread that a “chadar” with holy inscriptions was burned during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) protest. The VHP demonstration demanded the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The rumors triggered large-scale stone pelting and arson across several areas of Nagpur.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singhal confirmed the arrests and the new FIRs. “Fourteen accused were arrested from different parts of the city. We have also registered three more FIRs related to the riots,” he said.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Singhal stated that the decision to lift the curfew from affected areas would follow a high-level review meeting. On Friday, he held a meeting at Police Bhavan in Civil Lines to assess the latest developments and security measures.

The clashes injured 33 police personnel, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank. Despite efforts to control the unrest, tensions remain high in the city.

Key accused Fahim Khan faces serious charges, including sedition. Police continue to track other suspects involved in the violence while strengthening security in sensitive areas.

As investigations progress, officials aim to restore order while maintaining a firm stance against those responsible for the unrest.