A new wave of arrests happened in Nagpur on March 17, which brought the overall count of detained individuals to 105 through the actions of the Maharashtra Police. Those detained included 10 children under the age of 18. The wave of arrests has brought in ten underage individuals who participate in violent disorder situations. Three new FIRs have appeared, which strengthened the legal investigation of the ongoing case.
Background of the Clashes
A protest conducted by Hindutva groups in Nagpur to remove the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s shrine at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar resulted in the outbreak of violent disturbances. At the demonstration, violent events emerged that initiated stone-pelting and several groups clashed with one another. Additional violent clashes occurred in Chitnis Park alongside Hansapuri and together with Kotwali and Ganeshpeth.
Legal Actions and Social Media Misinformation
The authorities have enforced criminal penalties against people who spread false information and manage social media to promote violence. FIR investigations have been issued to 50 people, while Minorities Democratic Party leader Fahim Khan, along with five others, received sedition and misinformation charges. The suspected distribution of violence-promoting edited videos by certain individuals served to intensify the social chaos.
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The police have investigated three digital misinformation cases, which include manipulated protest videos and social media content generating religious conflicts as well as explicit violence requests. The cyber cell of Nagpur Police operates to determine both the source point and effects of these materials.
Curfew and Public Restrictions
In response to the violence, pro-hibitionary orders were enforced in 11 police station jurisdictions across Nagpur, restricting public gatherings. Tear gas and lathi charges were used to disperse violent mobs, and strict monitoring continued throughout the affected areas.
By March 21, some restrictions were eased in specific locations, such as Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar, allowing residents to buy essential supplies. However, the curfew remains in sensitive zones like Kotwali, Tehsil, and Ganeshpeth, pending a high-level review meeting to assess the situation.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Safety Measures
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal has assured that the situation is under control and that further actions will be taken to prevent a recurrence of violence. The administration urges citizens to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile nature of communal tensions and the crucial role of responsible information sharing in preventing violence. As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant to ensure peace in the region.
