Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pointed to the recently released Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava as a key factor behind the violent clashes that erupted in Nagpur, leaving at least 30 people injured. Speaking in the state Assembly, Fadnavis claimed the film, a biopic on Chhatrapati Sambhaji, “ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb,” contributing to the unrest that rocked the city on Monday evening. The violence, centered in the Hansapuri and Mahal areas, also saw several vehicles torched and widespread property damage.
The Chief Minister described the clashes as a “well-planned attack,” echoing sentiments expressed by other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. “In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours spread that religious items were burnt, escalating tensions. No one has the right to take law and order into their own hands,” Fadnavis stated, assuring that strict action would be taken against those responsible. He urged citizens to maintain peace in the state despite the provocative influence of the film.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the violence, labeling it a deliberate attempt to incite communal unrest. “Around 2,000 to 3,000 people gathered and attacked homes in Mominpura, Chitnis Nagar, and other areas. They pelted stones, assaulted residents, and even targeted police officials. This was clearly pre-planned,” Shinde said. He emphasized that the government, under Fadnavis’s close supervision, would ensure that the perpetrators face justice.
The violence reportedly stemmed from a call to relocate the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra, a demand that has long been a point of contention. Over 60 individuals have been detained, and a curfew has been imposed in parts of Nagpur to restore order. Approximately 30 vehicles were set ablaze during the clashes, which involved two groups in the Mahal area.
The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with Opposition leaders slamming both the state and Central governments for failing to maintain law and order. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury submitted a suspension notice in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting what she called a “complete breakdown of communal harmony and law and order” in Nagpur. “In its 300 years of dynamic existence, Nagpur has never experienced riots,” her notice read, pressing for an urgent discussion on the matter.
As investigations continue, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further escalation in the city, while the controversy surrounding Chhaava adds a new dimension to the unfolding situation.
Key Points:
- Violence in Nagpur: Clashes erupted in Nagpur’s Hansapuri and Mahal areas on Monday evening, injuring at least 30 people and leading to the destruction of several vehicles, with over 30 set on fire.
- CM’s Statement: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attributed the unrest to the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava, a biopic on Chhatrapati Sambhaji, claiming it “ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb.”
- Planned Attack Allegation: Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde described the violence as a “well-planned attack,” pointing to protests by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, fueled by rumors of burnt religious items.
- Aurangzeb Tomb Controversy: The clashes were linked to a demand to relocate Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra, a long-standing issue that escalated tensions.
- Government Response: Over 60 rioters have been detained, a curfew imposed in parts of Nagpur, and Fadnavis assured strict action against those responsible while urging peace.
- Communal Unrest Concerns: Shinde highlighted attacks on homes in Mominpura and Chitnis Nagar, as well as on police, suggesting an intent to spread communal violence.
- Political Backlash: Opposition leaders criticized the state and Central governments, with Congress’s Renuka Chowdhury filing a Rajya Sabha notice over the “breakdown of communal harmony and law and order” in Nagpur, a city with no prior history of riots in 300 years.
