Arson, clashes in Nagpur as Aurangzeb row heats up

Several people, including at least 25 police and fire brigade personnel, were injured after large-scale violence erupted in various parts of Nagpur on Monday amid rumours that the holy book of the Muslim community was burnt during an agitation by Hindu right-wing outfits for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, officers said.

- Pradip Kumar Maitra

NAGPUR:

The widespread arson and violence prompted several senior leaders, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister and Nagpur lawmaker Nitin Gadkari, making an appeal to people to not pay heed to rumours and maintain peace. "Do not believe in rumours. Let us work together to restore peace," said CM, who hails from Nagpur.

Gadkari also urged people not be swayed by misinformation. "I urge everyone not to believe in rumours and to maintain peace. Please do not come out onto the streets and cooperate with the law-and-order system," he added.