Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb, says Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavais. The historical action film is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj (the second ruler of the Maratha Empire).
His comments come after Nagpur erupted into a violent clash between two groups due to the dispute over Aurangzeb’s tomb. Mobs of people clashed over rumors that things containing religious content were burnt. About 45 vehicles were vandalized and mobs pelted stones. The police, including Nagpur Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Niketan Kadam, were also attacked when they tried to intervene.
Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal said unrest erupted last night at 8:30 pm following the burning of a photo. He said the police have launched a combing operation to identify and arrest those involved. The police have also imposed Section 144, restricting public gatherings. “People should avoid believing or spreading rumors,” Singal urged.
Also Read: Aurangzeb Tomb Protest: VHP, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena Want To Remove the Mausoleum
Politicians Believe Nagpur Violence Well-Planned
Shiv Sena MLA Manisha Kayande condemned the violence saying such a thing cannot be tolerated in Maharashtra. She said the issue must be resolved logically. “This matter must come to a logical end because Aarop aur pratyarop (accusations and counter accusations) and this type of violence must be stopped,” Kayande called on the state government to state the incident in both houses of the Assembly. “The way stones were pelted, and violence erupted on a large scale, it could not have happened without pre-planning.”
BJP MLA Pravin Datke also believes this was a pre-planned incident. “If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. There’s a roadside stall that belongs to a Muslim, nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged.” Datke highlighted that cameras were destroyed, indicating that the incident was planned.
Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat alleged that Maha Vikas Aghadi had a hand in the violence. “Why isn’t any Muslim coming forward from the place where the (Aurangzeb) grave is? Even the Muslims don’t want the grave to be there.”
