Several vehicles were torched, homes pelted with stones, and streets turned chaotic as the unrest spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth localities by late afternoon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari appealed for calm, even as the opposition hit out at the state government over what it called a breakdown of law and order.
The violence erupted shortly after Bajrang Dal members staged a protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area. Videos of the agitation quickly went viral on social media, with rumours alleging the burning of the Quran sparking outrage in the Muslim community. A complaint regarding the alleged incident was later filed at Ganeshpeth police station.
Stones pelted, vehicles torched in Mahal, Ganeshpeth
The unrest began late afternoon after a Bajrang Dal protest near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. Clashes soon erupted in Chitnis Park and Shukrawari Talao road areas, where four-wheelers were set ablaze and stones were thrown at houses and police teams. Tear gas shells were fired and cane-charge used to disperse mobs. The violence later spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, police officials said. Three police personnel, including DCP Niketan Kadam, sustained injuries during combing operations. Two other officers were also hurt while trying to control the mob.
Don't fall for rumours, cooperate with police: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed for calm and urged people not to spread or believe rumours. “Police administration is handling the situation after stone pelting in the Mahal area. Citizens should cooperate fully with the administration. Nagpur has always been a peaceful and cooperative city — this is its tradition. Do not believe in any rumours,” his office said.
Gadkari appeals for peace
Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari also urged people to maintain peace and harmony. “Due to certain rumours, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. I appeal to everyone to stay indoors and not believe in rumours. Let us maintain Nagpur’s legacy of peace. Strict action will be taken against those responsible.”
Opposition blames state government
Opposition leaders slammed the government, blaming state ministers for allegedly fuelling tensions. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said the violence marked a "complete failure of the state home department". “People of all religions co-exist peacefully in Nagpur, which is the city of CM Fadnavis and Minister Gadkari. Ministers have been deliberately making provocative speeches in recent days. It seems their efforts have succeeded in Nagpur,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray also hit out at the state administration, alleging an “unprecedented breakdown of law and order” in Maharashtra.
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