Nagpur remained under strict security measures as with several parts of the city barricaded and placed under curfew. The heightened security presence came in response to violent incidents that erupted, thereby prompting authorities to take immediate action. Law enforcement officials have so far arrested 78 individuals linked to the disturbances, including eight members of the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Key Accused Arrested in Early Morning Operation
Among those apprehended is Fahim Khan, a 38-year-old local businessman whom the police have identified as the key figure behind the riots. In the early hours of the morning, police raided his residence in a city neighbourhood and took him into custody. Khan, who sells burqas and is the son of a bicycle repair shop owner had previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. However, he managed to secure only 1,000 votes.
Protests Over Religious Demonstrations Escalate
The chain of events leading to the unrest began when Khan led a group of demonstrators to the Ganeshpeth police station. They were there to file a formal complaint against members of Bajrang Dal and VHP, who had allegedly burned an effigy of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb along with a religious chadar. This act occurred during protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Viral Video Sparks Tensions
After leaving the police station, Khan recorded a video in which he accused the police of protecting those responsible for the effigy burning. He also strongly criticized the chairman of the minority commission. The video quickly spread across social media, and according to the police, it played a key role in inciting the violence that later broke out in Mahal—a densely populated area in central Nagpur, located just two kilometers from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters. Authorities continue to maintain a heavy security presence in the affected areas by working to restore order and prevent further unrest.
Legal Developments and Security Measures Amidst Nagpur Unrest
The ongoing investigation into the Nagpur riots saw significant legal and security developments as authorities continued their efforts to restore order in the city. Eight members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), accused in connection with the violence, voluntarily surrendered at Kotwali police station before being officially taken into custody. However, after a court hearing, they were granted bail. In contrast, 27 other individuals linked to the riots were remanded to police custody after an extensive nine-hour legal proceeding.
Injured Victims Recovering in Hospitals
Authorities have confirmed that two individuals who were critically injured in the clashes—a teenage boy and a 40-year-old man—have shown signs of recovery. Both had been placed on ventilator support due to the severity of their injuries but are now stable and receiving treatment at government-run hospitals.
Challenges in Identifying Suspects Due to Surveillance Failures
To strengthen their case against those involved in the violence, police teams have been deployed across the city to gather CCTV footage and other forms of evidence. Investigators are actively searching for additional suspects linked to the six cases registered in connection with the riots. However, their efforts have been significantly delayed by technical failures—at least 1,500 surveillance cameras across the city, including 70 in the worst-affected areas of central Nagpur, were found to be non-functional. This has created obstacles in identifying those responsible for the unrest.
Community Groups Demand Easing of Curfew Restrictions
As authorities continued to monitor the situation, senior police officials held review meetings to assess the law and order scenario. Pressure has been mounting from various trade groups and community organizations by urging the administration to lift curfew restrictions imposed in areas under the jurisdiction of 11 police stations. Officials are expected to reassess the situation by following a detailed security evaluation.
Fahim Khan’s Past Involvement in Religious Protests
Fahim Khan, who has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the riots has a history of organizing demonstrations over religious issues. In the past, he has faced legal action for delivering hate speeches. A college dropout, Khan is a founding member of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), an organization linked to the Sunni Youth Force, which has been active in the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh since 2019. Authorities continue to maintain a strong security presence in the city as they work towards stabilizing the situation and preventing further unrest. The coming days will determine whether curfew measures will be eased or extended based on security assessments.
Bravery Amid Chaos: Teen Attacks IPS Officer During Nagpur Riots
In a shocking turn of events during the riots in Nagpur’s Hansapuri area, a 15-year-old boy launched a violent attack on Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Niketan Kadam. According to eyewitness accounts reported by various newspapers, the teenager wielded an axe and attempted to strike the 2019-batch IPS officer on the neck. However, Kadam reacted swiftly by using his hand to shield himself from the blow, though he suffered serious injuries in the process.
Emergency Surgery and Injured Police Officers
Following the attack, Kadam was rushed to New Era Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery late in the evening. The assault on the senior officer was part of a larger wave of violence that left 11 other police personnel injured while they were on duty in central Nagpur. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident as they work to restore law & order in the city.
A Narrow Escape from a Deadly Trap
Eyewitnesses revealed that Kadam and his team were on the verge of being trapped inside a room when the officer realized the imminent threat. Acting on his instincts, he attempted to break free, but the teenage attacker, armed with an axe had stood in his way. The attack appeared to be part of a premeditated strategy aimed at causing serious harm.
As Kadam pushed through in an effort to escape, the boy swung the axe with full force. The officer despite being unarmed at the time had managed to block the weapon with his bare hands, preventing what could have been a fatal strike. His courageous response likely saved his life, though it left him with severe injuries.
Ongoing Investigations and Security Measures
Authorities are now piecing together the sequence of events leading to the attack and investigating whether the teenage attacker was acting alone or as part of a larger group. The violent nature of the incident has raised serious concerns about the level of organization behind the riots and the use of minors in such violent acts. Meanwhile, security remains tight in riot-hit areas as law enforcement officials continue efforts to restore stability and ensure the safety of residents. The attack on a senior police officer underscores the intensity of the unrest that has gripped parts of Nagpur. As Kadam recovers from his injuries, law enforcement agencies are working to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further escalation of violence in the city.
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