Violence broke out in Nagpur on Monday following rumours of the desecration of a holy book during a demonstration led by right-wing groups. The protest, held by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal workers, demanded the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in arson, vandalism, and clashes between two communities. Several vehicles were torched, and police had to resort to firing tear gas shells and using batons to restore order. The violence began after an early morning demonstration in Nagpur’s Mahal area, where devotees organized a Shiv Jayanti program in front of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Later in the day, around 40-50 VHP and Bajrang Dal members gathered to protest against Aurangzeb’s tomb. During the demonstration, the protesters reportedly draped an effigy of Aurangzeb with a sheet and set it ablaze. Shortly after, rumours circulated that a holy book had been desecrated during the demonstration. These rumours, amplified through social media, rapidly spread across the area.
 

By evening, the situation worsened as tensions escalated between two communities. Between 5 pm and 7 pm, several Muslim youths reportedly gathered in the area, shouting slogans. As crowds grew, violence erupted, with participants pelting stones at police officers and damaging property. Cars, bikes, and even a crane were set on fire during the unrest. Reports indicate that the violence was particularly intense in Chitnis Park and Mahal area, where stones were hurled at residential properties. Police officers attempted to disperse the violent mob using baton charges. However, as tensions intensified, they were forced to deploy tear gas shells to control the crowds. Despite their efforts, several police personnel sustained injuries during the clashes. Authorities confirmed that nearly 30 police officers were hurt while over 60 suspected rioters were detained.
 

BJP MLA Pravin Datke claimed the violence was premeditated, alleging that rioters intentionally targeted Hindu homes and shops. He further claimed that the attackers strategically destroyed CCTV cameras before initiating violence, raising concerns about organized planning. In response to the escalating violence, the administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144, banning large gatherings to prevent further unrest. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Police’s cyber wing launched an investigation into over 100 social media accounts suspected of spreading misinformation and fuelling the violence. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified content, as older videos unrelated to the current situation were reportedly being circulated online. The violent outbreak follows weeks of simmering tension in the region. The protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb has been a contentious issue, and Monday's incident has further strained communal relations. While some leaders blamed misinformation and provocative messaging on social media, others criticized the handling of the initial demonstration and the lack of immediate intervention to curb violence. As the investigation continues, officials have warned against giving in to fear or panic driven by misleading information. Authorities are working to restore peace in the region, while both communities have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.