'Looks Like A Conspiracy': Eknath Shinde Reacts To Nagpur Clashes As Social Media Role Comes Under Lens
Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur after demand to remove Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to stone pelting, vandalism. Eknath Shinde alleged a conspiracy behind the episode.
Hours after violent clashes and violence erupted in parts of Nagpur in Maharashtra on Monday evening, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday alleged a conspiracy into the episode.
His remarks came as the authorities were keeping a watch on various social media handles possibly involved with spreading rumours and inciting violence.
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Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, “It looks like a conspiracy, the people are investigating more."
“The Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) is reviewing the situation. Police have said that many people came from outside. Petrol bombs were also hurled. It is unfortunate that the police were also attacked. Strict action will be taken in this incident. I appeal to all to maintain peace."
#WATCH | On Nagpur violence, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, “The incident which occurred in Nagpur is unfortunate. Police are investigating if this was a pre-planned conspiracy. 4 DCP level officers were injured in this incident. The CM is reviewing the situation.… pic.twitter.com/j0T3vfMrkS— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
“People should not try and incite violence between two communities," Shinde said, adding, “Aurangzeb should not be glorified."
#WATCH | Mumbai | Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, “No one in Maharashtra will tolerate those who support Aurangzeb…." pic.twitter.com/zKVORwWiyY— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
“Such kind of a brutal incident was never witnessed before. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Those who support Aurangzeb should read history and watch the movie ‘Chhava’. I believe that even true patriotic Muslims will not support Aurangzeb," the Deputy Chief Minister said.
VIDEO | On Nagpur violence: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (@mieknathshinde) says, “Such kind of a brutal incident was never witnessed before. The protestors are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj… Those who support Aurangzeb should read history and… pic.twitter.com/CizmWttiJi— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 18, 2025
Violence erupted in central Nagpur’s Chitnis Park area in Mahal on Monday around 7.30 pm, with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb (located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district).
Another clash broke out in the Hansapuri area near the Old Bhandara Road between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. An unruly mob burnt several vehicles, and vandalised houses and a clinic in the area.
Nearly 40 people (33 cops and six residents) were injured, more than 50 people were taken into custody, and 15 were arrested in connection with the unrest.
The police said they had brought the situation under control.
ALSO READ | How Aurangzeb’s Tomb Has Become The Focus Of Maharashtra Politics, Will It Be Removed? | Explained
Speaking on how the clashes unfolded, Eknath Shinde said, “There was a protest against Aurangzeb in the afternoon. This was when two communities clashed. The cops took control of the situation, but a mob gathered in the area again by evening."
“Strictest action will be taken against the culprits, no one will be spared. No one in Maharashtra will tolerate support for Aurangzeb," the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Also appealing for calm, Shinde said, “I appeal to people that police are doing their work and anyone involved will not be spared."
ALSO READ | ‘Mob Had Sharp Weapons, Faces Covered’: Nagpur Residents Recall Horror After Clashes
A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur after the clashes.
On Monday, Shinde had said the people still praising Aurangzeb are “traitors", noting the Mughal emperor had sought to conquer the state and committed various atrocities.
On the other hand, Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the “divine force" who stood for valour, sacrifice and the spirit of Hindutva, Shinde said on the occasion of ‘Shiv Jayanti‘.
Shinde also said that Shivaji Maharaj was not only a symbol of Hindutva and Indian pride but also the “inventor of democracy".
The Shiv Sena leader also condemned Aurangzeb’s atrocities against Maharashtra, particularly the execution of Shivaji Maharaj’s son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
“Aurangzeb came to seize Maharashtra, but he faced the divine power of Shivaji Maharaj. Those who still sing his praises are nothing but traitors," Shinde said.
“Shiv Chhatrapati is the pride of a united India and the roar of Hindutva. Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader, a man of the era, a promoter of justice, and a king of the commoners," he said.
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