Section 144 imposed, politicians call for peace after violence erupts in Nagpur: Top developments

NEW DELHI: Tension arose in central Nagpur on Monday when stones were thrown at police following some rumours, leading to injuries to four people, news agency PTI said quoting officials.
Police used tear gas shells and lathi charge to disperse the crowd in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas of the city. Violence later spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, officials added.
Also read: Violent clashes erupt in Nagpur, vehicles torched; cops deployed
Officials said that the Chitnis Park to Shukrawari Talao road belt was the most affected, where some four-wheelers were set on fire. Stones were also thrown at houses. Police are trying to control the crowds, which are believed to be in large numbers.

Heavy police deployed
The situation escalated after Bajrang Dal members held a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, news agency PTI reported. An official said that stones were thrown at police personnel in Chitnis Park and Mahal, leading to the use of tear gas shells.
A senior police official confirmed that security had been increased in sensitive areas. Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) were deployed. Additional police personnel from different stations were also called in.

Section 144 imposed

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal said that section 144 has been imposed in the area. "The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned following which people gathered, they made a request and we even took action in this respect. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR has been lodged based on the names they mentioned and action would be taken against them. This incident occurred around 8-8.30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched. We are taking an assessment of the same. Two vehicles have been torched and stone pelting has occurred. Police is undertaking combing action and those involved are being identified and arrested. We have imposed Section 144 and everyone has been told to not step out unnecessarily or take law in their hands. Do not believe rumours. Except this area, the entire city is peaceful..."

Appeals for peace

The Maharashtra chief minister said, "The manner in which the situation became tense in Mahal area of Nagpur is highly condemnable. A few people pelted stones, even at the Police. This is wrong. I am keeping an eye on the situation. I have told the Police Commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary to maintain law and order. If someone riots or pelts stones at Police or creates tensions in society, strict action should be taken against all such people. I appeal to everyone to behave to ensure that the peace of Nagpur is not disturbed. If someone attempts to create tension, very strict action will be taken against them."

Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari also urged people to remain calm. "Due to certain rumors, a situation of religious tension has arisen in Nagpur. The city's history is known for maintaining peace in such matters. I urge all my brothers not to believe in any kind of rumours and to maintain peace. Do not come out onto the streets. Cooperate with the law and order system. Preserve the tradition of peace and harmony that Nagpur is known for. I assure you all that the government will take action against those who have committed mistakes or engaged in illegal activities. The Chief Minister has already been informed about this situation, so I request everyone not to pay attention to rumours. Please cooperate with the police administration, foster love, and maintain a positive atmosphere in the city. This is my humble request to all of you."

Maharashtra Congress chief slams government

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal blamed Monday's violence in Nagpur on the failure of the state home department. He also accused ministers of "deliberately making provocative speeches" in recent days.
"Tensions in the city, stone pelting and arson is the utter failure of the home department. In the last few days, state ministers have been deliberately making provocative speeches to incite violence in the society. It looks like those efforts have found success in Nagpur," he said in a statement.