# 2025 Nagpur violence

On 17 March 2025, communal violence erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, following demands to remove the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The unrest began after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest, during which they burned an effigy of Aurangzeb and chanted slogans calling for the tomb's removal.
The situation escalated after rumours spread of a Quran burning during the demonstration.

## Background

The violence occurred against the backdrop of rising political and social tensions surrounding Aurangzeb's legacy. The Mughal emperor has remained a controversial figure in Indian history, with some groups viewing him as a symbol of oppression and others defending his rule. The debate intensified following the release of a Bollywood film titled Chhava, which portrayed the death of Maratha ruler Sambhaji, who was executed by Aurangzeb. The film's depiction of historical events reignited discussions about the Mughal emperor's actions, contributing to heightened tensions.
In the weeks leading up to the violence, organizations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal intensified their campaign to have Aurangzeb's tomb in Aurangabad removed. These groups argued that the tomb glorified a ruler they claimed had oppressed Hindu communities. Political rhetoric further escalated when politician Abu Azmi defended Aurangzeb's reign, fueling anger among the local community.

## Protests

On 17 March 2025, activists staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal area of Nagpur, where they burned an effigy of Aurangzeb and raised slogans calling for the removal of his tomb. During the agitation, unverified rumours began circulating that a Quran had been burned. These rumours quickly spread, sparking protest and mobilizing groups on both sides.
This led to violent clashes in the Chitnis Park, Hansapuri, and Mahal areas of Nagpur. A large mob of nearly 1,000 people gathered and threw stones and fire bombs, injuring police and damaging multiple properties and homes. A clinic in Hansapuri was damaged, and multiple businesses were targeted amid the unrest.

## Response

Over 30 people, including several police officers, sustained injuries during the violence. In response, a curfew was imposed in the affected areas, and a ban on large gatherings was enforced to prevent further escalation and 65 people including three minors were arrested. On March 18, 2025, a key accused in the matter, Fahim Khan, was also arrested by the police.

## Reactions

Speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the violence in Nagpur, stating, "In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt....It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands." He further assured, "Attacks on police will not be tolerated, strict action will be taken."
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also described the violence as a "planned conspiracy." He remarked, "Such kind of a brutal incident was never witnessed before. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj... Those who support Aurangzeb should read history and watch the movie 'Chhava'... I believe that even the true patriotic Muslims will not support Aurangzeb."
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the Maharashtra government, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP. Referring to the violence, Thackeray stated, "I am not the Chief Minister, nor am I the Home Minister. Ask the Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) who is behind this. Because the RSS headquarters is there (Nagpur). There is a double-engine government here (in Maharashtra). If the double-engine government has failed, then they should resign."
Meanwhile, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury submitted a suspension notice in the Rajya Sabha, calling for a discussion on what she described as a "complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order" in Nagpur. "That this house do suspend zero hour and relevant rules relating Question Hour and other scheduled business to deliberate on the complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order in Nagpur, Maharashtra. In its 300 years of dynamic existence, Nagpur has never experienced riots," her notice read.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also targeted the Maharashtra government, alleging that the state was being destabilized. "Instigating violence, creating instability in the state, keeping the citizens busy over past history while getting away with tough questions on the state’s financial doom, increased debt burden, growing joblessness and farmer suicides. Maharashtra is being strategically led towards making the state unattractive for investment. It is to help the neighbouring state to take advantage," she claimed.
The RSS also responded to the incident, stating that 'No type of violence is good for society, and Aurangzeb is not relevant today.