Watch: Violent clashes erupt in Nagpur, vehicles torched; cops deployed

NEW DELHI: Nagpur’s Mahal area witnessed violent clashes on Monday night following a dispute between two groups, leading to vandalism and arson. Several vehicles were set ablaze, and reports of stone pelting created panic among residents.
Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated quickly, with miscreants damaging property and torching vehicles as the situation spiralled out of control. Videos from the scene showed burning vehicles and scattered debris.

Meanwhile, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal on Monday assured the residents of Nagpur that the violence is under control and that the situation is now peaceful. Section 144 has been imposed in the area, and the police have directed people not to step out unnecessarily.
Speaking to ANI, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal said, "The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned, following which people gathered, we requested them, and we even took action in this respect. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR had been lodged based on the names they mentioned and action would be taken against them..."
Police rushed to the spot to contain the violence and bring the situation under control. Additional personnel have been deployed to prevent further unrest.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the clash and identifying those involved. Meanwhile, locals have been urged to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Archit Chandak confirmed that the violence stemmed from a miscommunication. "The situation is under control right now. Our force here is strong. I appeal to everyone not to step out or engage in stone pelting," he said.
Several police personnel sustained injuries, including DCP Chandak, who was hit in the leg. "We called the Fire Brigade to douse the flames and took immediate action," he added, urging people not to believe rumours and to cooperate with the police.
A Fire Brigade official said that two JCBs and several other vehicles were set ablaze during the clashes in Nagpur’s Mahal area. "Two JCBs and a few more vehicles were also impacted. One fireman is injured," the official stated.

Following the violent clashes, the Maharashtra chief minister’s office (CMO) has assured that the police are handling the situation and urged citizens to remain calm.
“The police administration is actively managing the situation after reports of stone pelting and unrest. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens to fully cooperate with authorities,” the CMO said in a statement.
Officials urged residents not to fall for rumours. “We are in constant touch with the police administration, and the public must extend full support to maintain law and order,” the statement added. "Nagpur is a peaceful and co-operative city. This has been a permanent tradition of Nagpur. In such a case, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed not to believe any rumours and give full cooperation to the administration."
Furthermore, Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari has urged residents to maintain peace following the outbreak.
"Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. The city's history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any kind of rumours and to maintain peace," Gadkari said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey has criticised the Maharashtra government over the violence, calling it a failure of law and order.
"Ensuring law and order is the priority of the state government... The violence in Nagpur is very unfortunate... Vehicles were set on fire, stones were pelted... The situation is out of control... People of different religions live peacefully in Nagpur... The state government has failed to take everyone along," Dubey said.

Section 144 imposed
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal assured that the situation in the Mahal area was under control.
"The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned following which people gathered, they made a request and we even took action in this respect. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR has been lodged based on the names they mentioned and action will be taken against them," he said.
Singal confirmed that two vehicles were torched and stone pelting occurred. "Police is undertaking combing action and those involved are being identified and arrested," he added. Section 144 has been imposed, and citizens have been urged not to believe rumours.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned the violence that erupted in the Mahal area of Nagpur, assuring strict action against those responsible for disturbing peace.
"The manner in which the situation became tense in Mahal area of Nagpur is highly condemnable. A few people pelted stones, even at the Police. This is wrong. I am keeping an eye on the situation. I have told the Police Commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary to maintain law and order. If someone riots or pelts stones at Police or creates tensions in society, strict action should be taken against all such people. I appeal to everyone to behave to ensure that the peace of Nagpur is not disturbed. If someone attempts to create tension, very strict action will be taken against them," Fadnavis said.

A local resident told news agency ANI that the incident happened around 8.30 pm.
"This incident happened around 8.30 pm. A mob of 500-1000 people pelted stones. They even torched our car...They vandalised around 25-30 vehicles," said Sunil Peshne.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "First priority is to restore peace in society and keep it away from rumours. An investigation will later reveal why the unrest occurred. But the people of Nagpur should not believe rumours and support Police administration. Police are trying to maintain peace. All of us have urged everyone to maintain peace and uphold the prestige of Nagpur city...I urge all political parties and politicians of Maharashtra to come together and make an effort to make the society peaceful and make people understand that rioters will be identified by Police. But do not turn this incident into political..."

Also read: Opposition slams Maharashtra govt over Nagpur clashes