Nagpur: Curfew remains in effect for the second day in 10 police station areas of Nagpur following violent clashes on March 17. An FIR has been filed at Ganeshpeth Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other laws such as the Arms Act, Maharashtra Police Act, and the Prevention of Public Property Damage Act. The complaint was lodged by Police Inspector Jitendra Baburao Gadge, naming 51 individuals, including several minors, from local areas like Jafar Nagar, Tajbagh, Mominpura, and Bhalaadapura.
According to the FIR, the violence escalated when the crowd started throwing stones and petrol bombs at police officers. Police were attacked with dangerous weapons like axes and iron rods, despite repeated warnings to disperse. The FIR also mentions an incident where one of the accused took advantage of the darkness to misbehave with a woman police officer by touching her uniform and body, making obscene gestures toward female officers.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi assured that the Maharashtra government is taking strict action against those responsible for the violence, stating that the situation is being managed well and stressing that action will be taken against those at fault, regardless of party affiliation.
Several BJP MPs have condemned the violence, with MP Ashok Chavan calling the incident sad but stating that it has been brought under control. Chavan emphasized that communal violence should not be tolerated, especially in a progressive state like Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the incident as unfortunate and mentioned that the police are investigating whether the violence was part of a pre-planned conspiracy. Shinde noted that many outsiders were involved and that petrol bombs were thrown during the unrest. He urged people to maintain peace while the situation is being thoroughly investigated.