In the aftermath of the Nagpur violence, Maharashtra Police have uncovered a potential Bangladesh connection. Investigations revealed that 97 social media accounts linked to Bangladesh were used to spread false rumours and incite violence.
Many of these posts, which included offensive and provocative content, were traced to computers with Bangladeshi IP addresses. One such post warned that the recent riots were just the beginning, promising even larger disturbances in the future.
The police’s cyber cell has taken swift action, shutting down 34 social media accounts and filing 10 FIRs in response to the incitement. As of now, 84 individuals have been arrested, including Faheem Shamim Khan, the city president of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), who is considered the mastermind behind the violence.
On March 19, however, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, stated that 69 arrests had been made. Among those detained are eight workers from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Faheem Khan, who allegedly gathered over 500 rioters and instigated the violence, was arrested shortly after the FIR was filed at Ganeshpath Police Station, where he was named as an accused. The charges against Khan include conspiracy, molestation, and misconduct. A provocative video of Khan delivering an inflammatory speech just before the violence surfaced, adding weight to the accusations. The 38-year-old is currently in police custody until March 21.
The violence erupted on the evening of March 17, leaving more than 30 people injured. The unrest was triggered by rumors surrounding a protest by Hindu organisations, who were demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. During the protest, demonstrators burned an effigy of the Mughal emperor, which led to violent clashes. One particularly disturbing incident occurred when a Muslim mob molested a female police officer in Bhhaladarpura, attempting to disrobe her during the riot. An FIR has been filed in connection with the attack on the officer.
In an effort to restore order, a curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur. During a session in the state assembly on March 19, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the unrest, stating, “Those who attacked police during the arson in Nagpur will be dug out from their graves. Attacks on police are unpardonable. They will face the strictest punishment. We won’t spare them.”
