After the controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb, a large part of Nagpur witnessed an atmosphere of roit’s and fear.
Why did the controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb start?
The controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb started with the statement of Maharashtra SP MLA Abu Azmi. On March 3, he had said that we are being told wrong history. Aurangzeb built many temples. I do not consider him a cruel ruler. If someone says that this fight was about Hindus and Muslims, I do not believe it.
The protesting party alleged that Azmi had made derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. As the controversy escalated, Azmi withdrew his statement on March 4 and said – ‘My words have been distorted. However, if anyone has been hurt by my words, I withdraw my statement.’
Demand for demolition of tomb amid Aurangzeb’s tomb controversy,
Amidst the growing controversy, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendant and BJP MP from Satara, Udayanraje Bhosale, has demanded the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb. He said – Send a JCB machine and demolish his (Aurangzeb’s) tomb, he was a thief and a robber. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also supported this demand.
Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh has also demanded the removal of the tomb. He has written a letter to Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking details of the expenditure incurred on the maintenance of the tomb. Raja said – Not even a single rupee of tax should be spent on the tomb of the one who suppressed our culture.
Why did violence occur during the Aurangzeb’s tomb dispute?
On Monday, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) held a protest in Nagpur. During the protest, a green cloth filled with cow dung cakes was burnt. According to VHP, this was the symbolic grave of Aurangzeb.After the video of this incident went viral, violence broke out in Nagpur’s Mahal area at 7:30 pm. Stone pelting and vandalism started. The rioters pelted stones at houses and vandalised and set fire to dozens of vehicles parked on the road.
Police were also attacked. DCP Niketan Kadam was injured in an axe attack. Police fired tear gas shells. Another clash took place in Hanspuri area near Old Bhandara Road between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm.
Violence broke out in the Mahal area of Nagpur at 7:30 pm on Monday.
After this, stone pelting and vandalism started.Curfew has been imposed in 11 areas of Nagpur on Tuesday after violence broke out over burning of Aurangzeb’s effigy.
33 policemen were injured in the violence that took place on Monday evening, including 3 DCPs. 5 civilians were also injured, one of them is admitted in the ICU.
The rioters burnt 12 bikes, several cars, 1 JCB. The police have arrested 50 people on charges of rioting.At the same time, security has been increased at Aurangzeb’s tomb in Sambhajinagar. The roads leading to the tomb have been barricaded. Every visitor is being checked.
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