Violent protests in Nagpur, India following Quran burning rumors
Scene of escalating violence with burning vehicles and debris in Nagpur, India over potential Quran burning incident on March 17, 2025. (Photo taken from X /@ANI)
On Monday, March 17, tensions soared in central Nagpur, India, after protests broke out in response to rumors that the holy Quran had been burned during a demonstration organized by a right-wing group calling for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.
The unrest led to four people being injured, as stone-pelting and clashes ensued in several locations, including Chitnis Park and Mahal.
Authorities reported that the situation quickly spiraled out of control, with police forced to deploy tear gas shells and use batons to disperse the crowd. The violence spread to nearby areas, including Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, intensifying throughout the afternoon.
A complaint was lodged at Ganeshpeth police station, alleging that the Quran had been desecrated, which further fueled tensions. As word of the alleged incident spread, large groups of Muslims gathered in multiple areas, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitnis Park.
Preliminary reports indicated that the area from Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao was the hardest hit, with rioters setting several vehicles on fire. Explosions were heard from the torched vehicles in Mahal, where clashes broke out between two groups, further escalating the violence. Stones were also thrown at residents’ homes.
The police are working to control a crowd estimated to be in the thousands. The unrest began after members of Bajrang Dal held a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal.
During the demonstration, rumors spread that the Quran had been burned, which quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread anger among the Muslim community.
Bajrang Dal leaders have denied the allegations, asserting that they only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their protest.
Indian, local government calls for constraint and calm
In response to the unrest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a call for calm, urging citizens not to believe in the rumors circulating.
He assured the public that the police were managing the situation in Mahal, following the stone-pelting incident, and appealed for cooperation with authorities to prevent further disturbances.
Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Ministry, emphasized that Nagpur is traditionally a peaceful city and urged residents to disregard rumors. He pledged that the government was in close contact with police officials to restore order and resolve the situation.
To maintain peace, additional security measures have been implemented, including the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). The measures also include a temporary curfew.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also called for calm in response to the rising tensions. In a message posted on X, he urged the public not to believe in rumors and emphasized Nagpur’s history of peace and harmony.
He urged residents to stay indoors, cooperate with law enforcement, and preserve the city’s tradition of tranquility.
Gadkari reassured citizens that the government would take action against those involved in illegal activities and emphasized the importance of cooperation with the police to maintain peace.
