Nagpur Violence: Shinde sparks row with ‘Osama bin Laden’ remark on Aurangzeb Tomb

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked controversy on Tuesday by comparing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to Osama bin Laden. He recalled how the US refused to bury Osama on its land and instead disposed of his body at sea to prevent glorification.

During a heated legislative council debate, Shinde clashed with Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab over Nagpur violence. He questioned why Aurangzeb was being glorified when right-wing groups were demanding the removal of his tomb. “Who is Aurangzeb? Why should we glorify him? He is a blot on our history,” Shinde said. He reminded the council how Aurangzeb tortured and killed Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje for refusing to convert to Islam.

Shinde also responded to Parab’s claim that he switched allegiance from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to the BJP due to pressure from central agencies. He countered, “The US ensured Osama bin Laden was not buried on its land. They disposed of him at sea to prevent any glorification.” Shinde also slammed Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal for comparing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Aurangzeb.

“Did Fadnavis ever torture anyone like Aurangzeb did?” he asked, targeting Parab. He demanded to know if Fadnavis had mistreated him.

Nagpur Violence Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb

Violence erupted in Nagpur’s Mahal area on Monday around 7:30 pm after stones were hurled at police. The unrest followed rumors that a religious text was burned during a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

On Tuesday, Shinde urged people to stay calm. He confirmed that police were investigating whether the violence was pre-planned. According to PTI, 34 police personnel, including four DCP-level officers, were injured.

“The CM is reviewing the situation. Police reported that many outsiders were involved. Petrol bombs were also used. It is unfortunate that the police were attacked. Strict action will follow. I appeal for peace,” Shinde told reporters.

Authorities detained over 50 people and imposed a curfew in parts of Nagpur. Chief Minister Fadnavis claimed in the legislative assembly that the violence was premeditated. He linked the unrest to emotions stirred by the Vicky Kaushal film “Chhaava,” which portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

To restore order, police and security forces conducted a flag march in the affected areas. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal stated that investigations were underway to determine if the violence was part of a larger conspiracy.

Officials imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The restrictions covered Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. The police commissioner’s notification confirmed the curfew in response to rising tensions.