Following the recent violence in Nagpur, the situation is gradually returning to normal. However, stringent security measures have been implemented for Friday (March 21st), the third Juma prayer of the holy month of Ramadan.
Maharashtra: The situation in Nagpur is slowly returning to normal following the violence on March 17th. Curfew relaxations were granted in several areas on Thursday. However, security has been significantly tightened today, Friday (March 21st), in anticipation of the third Juma prayer of Ramadan. Heavy police presence is visible outside all mosques in the city, and authorities are on high alert.
Increased Security in the City, Police Deployed Outside Mosques
Nagpur police have deployed additional security forces outside major mosques in the city. Surveillance has been enhanced using drones and CCTV cameras. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) are also on standby to address any untoward situation. Police have arrested 100 people so far in connection with the Nagpur violence. A total of 12 FIRs have been registered related to the violence; four by cyber police and eight by local police. Police claim they are monitoring all suspects and the investigation is ongoing.
Maharashtra Congress president, Harshavardhan Sapkal, has formed a special committee to visit the violence-affected areas of Nagpur. This committee includes senior leaders Manikrao Thakre, Nitin Raut, Yashomati Thakur, Hussain Dalwai, and Sajid Pathan.
What Happened?
Violence erupted in several areas of Nagpur on Monday (March 17th). This violence began after rumors spread that a cloth bearing verses from the Quran was burned during a protest demanding the removal of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. This led to incidents of stone-pelting and arson in various parts of the city.
While the situation in the city is now under control, the police remain vigilant to handle any eventuality. The administration has appealed to the people to disregard rumors and maintain peace.
