Curfew was completely lifted from the remaining parts of Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Sunday, six days after violent clashes erupted in the city, officials said.
Following the violence on March 17, curfew had been imposed across multiple police station areas, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar, and Kapil Nagar.
Curfew Lifted in Phases
Authorities had gradually eased restrictions, lifting the curfew from Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar on March 20, followed by Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, and Imambada on March 22. On Sunday, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal ordered the removal of curfew in the remaining four police station areas—Kotwali, Tehsil, Ganeshpeth, and Yashodhara Nagar—effective from 3 PM. However, officials stated that police patrolling and security deployment in sensitive areas would continue.
Violence Triggered by Rumours
The unrest broke out on March 17 when mobs went on a rampage in central Nagpur following rumors that a ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions had been burnt during protests led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. The protest had been organized to demand the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Authorities later confirmed that the rumors were false and were deliberately spread to incite violence. Despite this, large-scale stone pelting and arson occurred, leaving 33 police personnel injured, including three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officers.
Over 100 Arrested, Government to Recover Damages
More than 100 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, according to police.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that the state government would recover the cost of property damaged during the violence from the rioters. “If necessary, bulldozers will be used,” Fadnavis warned. He added that if the perpetrators failed to compensate for the damages, their properties would be seized and sold to recover losses.
The government has also assured strict action against those who attacked police officers during the clashes.
Ongoing Security Measures
Even with the curfew lifted, authorities remain on high alert. Police continue to monitor sensitive areas, and officials have urged citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation or engaging in unlawful activities.
Sources By Agencies