Nagpur Police arrested Fahim Shamim Khan on March 19, accusing him of being the mastermind behind the communal violence that erupted in the city on March 17. Khan, a local leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), was apprehended shortly after being named in an FIR filed at Ganeshpeth Police Station. The 38-year-old has been remanded to police custody until March 21.
Fahim Shamim Khan had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Nagpur constituency, representing the MDP, but lost by a significant margin of over 6.5 lakh votes to senior BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The violence, which erupted late Monday night, resulted in the injury of 30 police personnel. There were widespread incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and attacks on the police, prompting a citywide security crackdown.
The unrest began just 2 km from the RSS headquarters, following protests calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb that quickly escalated. The clashes left at least 10 anti-riot commandos, two IPS officers, and two firemen injured.
Mobs further intensified the violence by torching two JCB machines and 40 vehicles, vandalizing police vans, and clashing with security forces. The unrest escalated as large crowds gathered, demanding action against the perpetrators. Clashes broke out at Chitnis Park Chowk, where riot-control police were met with heavy stone-pelting. As the violence spread, authorities imposed a curfew in several areas under Section 163.
At least 50 rioters were arrested on Tuesday, and 19 individuals were sent to police custody on Wednesday. The Union Home Ministry has requested a report on the incident, which occurred just weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to the city.
In response, over 2,000 police personnel were deployed across central Nagpur, including in areas like Mahal, Chitnis Park Chowk, and Bhaldarpura. Key locations such as Fawwara Chowk, Gandhi Putla Chowk, and Badkas Chowk were sealed off. Riot-control vehicles, including water cannons and tear gas units, were used to disperse the crowds.
City police, supported by intelligence agencies and the Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS), are investigating potential security threats. Authorities suspect that misinformation on social media played a major role in fueling the unrest.
