In addition to the five FIRs filed in connection with the Nagpur violence, the cyber police registered four more cases on Thursday, one of which includes sedition charges. Fahim Khan, the city president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), along with five others, is named in the sedition case for allegedly posting provocative content on social media.
The violence began on Monday after a right-wing group called for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. In response to the unrest, a curfew was imposed, though it has now been partially lifted in certain areas of Nagpur.
The newly registered FIRs are based on accusations that clips of the violence were shared to provoke public unrest and incite people to take to the streets.
Fahim Khan faces charges of sedition, under section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to endangering India’s sovereignty and spreading misinformation on social media, according to Lohit Matani, DCP (Cyber). Matani further explained that Khan edited a video of a protest against Aurangzeb’s tomb, shared it on social media, and used his posts to “glorify stone-pelting on police officers.”
Khan was also named in the first FIR related to the violence. Since his arrest, his devices have already been seized, as confirmed by DCP Matani.
Providing details on the four new FIRs, Matani stated that more than 50 social media profiles had been identified in these cases. The first FIR targets accounts that shared videos of the protest against the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The second FIR is against accounts posting and sharing videos that incite violence. The third FIR concerns accounts distributing videos related to the violence, while the fourth targets accounts that glorify the violence.
Ravinder Kumar Singal, the Commissioner of Police, mentioned that Fahim Khan is being considered one of the main accused in the Nagpur violence. “Khan was seen at several sensitive locations. We are investigating whether he was involved in any conspiracy and are also examining his past record,” Singal added.
When asked about allegations from locals in Bhaldarpura and Hansapuri regarding police excesses during combing operations, Singal responded, “Such incidents have occurred, and there are videos on record. If the locals are making these claims, they have every right to do so. We are simply carrying out our duties.”
Singal confirmed that over 80 individuals are currently in custody, including 11 minors. He also clarified that there have been no fatalities due to the violence, and the injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
As of 2 pm on March 20, the curfew was fully lifted in certain areas such as Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar. In other areas like Lakadganj, Shantinagar, and Imamwada, restrictions will be eased daily from 2 pm to 4 pm to allow residents to buy essential goods. The curfew will remain in place in the Kotwali, Tehsil, and Ganeshpeth areas until further notice.
A preliminary survey by the administration reveals that more than 60 vehicles were vandalized, including 20 two-wheelers and 40 four-wheelers. Additionally, two cranes were set on fire during the violence, with a construction company reporting a loss of Rs 70 lakh. The administration also announced that in cases of total damage, a compensation of Rs 50,000 will be provided per vehicle, while Rs 10,000 will be given for partial damage.
