Bangladeshi hand in Nagpur communal violence?
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the possibility of Bangladeshi hand in the recent communal violence in Nagpur said that it is too early to comment on such claims. Fadnavis, who reached Nagpur late Friday evening for the first time since the violence broke out on March 17, insisted that the matter is being investigated. He also said that the incident cannot be termed as an "intelligence failure" but admitted that the intelligence gathering could have been better. Fadnavis vowed to take strict action against those who attacked the policemen and said that his government will not rest until the culprits are found and dealt with strictly. So far, 33 policemen, including three deputy commissioners of police, have been injured and 17 accused have been kept in police custody till March 22.
Bangladeshi hand: Fadnavis said that it is too early to comment on foreign or Bangladeshi hand in the Nagpur communal violence. He stressed that the investigation is on and no conclusive evidence has been found yet.
Intelligence failure: The chief minister clarified that the incident cannot be termed an "intelligence failure", but admitted that intelligence gathering could have been better.
Strict action against rioters: Fadnavis vowed to take strict action against those who attacked policemen. "Those who attacked the police during the arson in Nagpur will be dug out of their graves. Attacks on police are unforgivable. They will be severely punished. We will not spare them," he said.
Injuries and arrests: 33 policemen, including three deputy commissioners of police, were injured during the violence. Seventeen accused have been sent to police custody till March 22. Prime accused Faheem Khan and five others have been booked for sedition and spreading misinformation on social media.
Search operation: Search operations continued in Bhaldarpura area of Nagpur's old city on Wednesday evening. Police are actively looking for more suspects and evidence. Background of the violence The violence in Nagpur began on March 17, when rumours spread that a holy book was burnt during a protest by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. The protest was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal, who allegedly burnt the cloth bearing religious inscriptions, leading to widespread outrage in the Muslim community. Clashes broke out in central Nagpur, resulting in several police personnel being injured and damage to several vehicles and houses. A 40-year-old man died while undergoing treatment at a hospital on Saturday. Government response Fadnavis' initial response: On the night of March 17, Fadnavis appealed for peace and asked people not to believe rumours. He appealed for peace and assured the public that the government was taking all necessary steps to maintain law and order. Pre-planned attack: On March 18, Fadnavis called the violence a "pre-planned incident" and warned that those attacking the police "won't be spared." He said that some houses and establishments were targeted, indicating a pre-planned attack. Follow-up: On March 19, Fadnavis reiterated his commitment to maintaining law and order and stressed that misinformation was spread deliberately. He assured the public that peace prevails in the city and the government is committed to ensuring justice. Political reactions Asaduddin Owaisi: Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the Maharashtra government for the recent communal violence in Nagpur. He accused the government of making communally motivated statements and failing to take proactive steps to prevent incidents. Congress leader Nana Patole: Congress leader Nana Patole called the incident a failure of the government and the police. He criticised Fadnavis, saying that if the incident is happening in his hometown, it is a clear failure of the government. Conclusion
The Nagpur communal violence remains a matter of grave concern, investigations are underway and the Maharashtra government is showing firm commitment to bring the culprits to justice. Fadnavis has taken a strong stand against the violence and vowed to take strict action, while also noting the need for better intelligence gathering. Political reactions highlight the sensitivity of the issue and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation.