Nagpur violence: Police arrest eight VHP, Bajrang Dal workers after surrender

NEW DELHI: Eight workers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and

Bajrang Dal

surrendered before

Kotwali Police

on Wednesday in connection with the recent violence in Nagpur.
They were arrested and later produced before the court, as Maharashtra police intensified its crackdown on those involved in the unrest.
The surrender comes as the

Nagpur police

registered FIRs against office-bearers of the VHP and Bajrang Dal for allegedly hurting

religious sentiments

during their protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad).
Nagpur violence: Cops injured, vehicles torched, stone-pelting erupts

The violence erupted late Monday night in Mahal, just 2km from the fortified RSS headquarters. Protests over Aurangzeb’s tomb spiralled out of control, leading to large-scale arson, stone-pelting, and attacks on police personnel. The clashes left at least 10 anti-riot commandos, two IPS officers, and two firemen injured.
Mobs torched two JCB machines and 40 vehicles, vandalised police vans, and clashed with security forces. In response, police launched combing operations, arresting at least 50 rioters, while the Union home ministry sought a report on the incident.
TOI reported earlier that the unrest was triggered by rumours that right-wing activists had burned effigies of Aurangzeb and a religious ‘chadar’ near Shivaji Putla Square at Mahal Gate. As tensions escalated, crowds gathered, demanding action against those involved. The situation worsened at Chitnis Park Chowk, where riot-control police faced heavy stone-pelting.
With the violence spreading, curfew was imposed in several areas under Section 163. More than 1,000 police personnel were deployed across central Nagpur, sealing off key roads, including Fawwara Chowk, Gandhi Putla Chowk, and Badkas Chowk. Riot-control vehicles, including water cannons and tear gas units, were used to disperse mobs.