A bulldozer was deployed on Monday to demolish the house of Faheem Khan, the main accused in the Nagpur violence over the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation had given him 24 hours to remove the illegal construction himself, and the process was completed today.
The house, located in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, Nagpur, is registered in the name of Faheem Khan’s wife. The Municipal Corporation had issued a notice regarding irregularities in the building plan approval.
A case of sedition has been registered against six accused, including mastermind Faheem Khan, in connection with the violence over the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Faheem is accused of gathering more than 500 rioters and inciting violence.
Faheem is currently in police custody. Earlier, on March 21, he had filed a petition in the Sessions Court for bail, claiming that he was arrested due to political vendetta as he had demanded action against Vishwa Hindu Parishad workers.
Minorities Democratic Party City President Faheem Khan Arrested
Faheem Khan, the city president of the Minorities Democratic Party, was arrested on March 19, two days after the incidents of rioting and arson.
Fadnavis: “If Needed, Bulldozers Will Be Used”
On the fifth day of the violence, on Saturday, CM Devendra Fadnavis held a press conference in Nagpur. He stated that the losses caused by the violence would be compensated by selling the property of the rioters. “If needed, bulldozers will also be used,” he added.
Fadnavis assured that the victims would be compensated soon and that strict action would be taken against those who attacked the police. Regarding the opposition’s allegations, he clarified that the violence was neither an intelligence failure nor a political conspiracy.
He also dismissed reports of molestation of a female constable, stating that while she was targeted with stone-pelting, no molestation had occurred. Responding to Shiv Sena’s claim that the violence had a connection with Bangladesh, he said it was too early to confirm but that the investigation would also consider this angle.
Curfew Lifted from Nagpur on Sunday
Six days after the violence, the curfew was fully lifted in Nagpur on Sunday. Police Commissioner Ravindra Singhal ordered the lifting of curfew from the remaining areas under Kotwali, Tehsil, Ganeshpeth, and Yashodhara Nagar police stations from 3 PM on Sunday.
However, patrolling will continue in sensitive areas. Previously, the curfew was lifted from Pachpavli, Shantinagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, and Imamwada on March 22, while it was lifted from Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar police station areas on March 20.
The Trigger: Bajrang Dal and VHP Protests
On March 17, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests across Maharashtra demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). During the protests, a green cloth was burnt in Nagpur, leading to controversy.
One side alleged that the burnt cloth contained verses from the Quran, escalating tensions and resulting in violence. In response, a curfew was imposed in 11 police station areas of the city. The violence left 33 policemen, including three Deputy Police Commissioners, injured.
Ajit Pawar: “Won’t Spare Those Who Threaten Muslims”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stated, “Anyone who threatens our Muslim brothers, disrupts law and order, or incites conflict between groups will not be spared under any circumstances.” His statement came during an Iftar party organized by the party on March 21 at Islam Gymkhana in Mumbai.
Timeline of the Aurangzeb Controversy
March 3: SP MLA Abu Azmi Defends Aurangzeb
The controversy started with a statement by Maharashtra SP MLA Abu Azmi on March 3. He claimed, “We are being taught a false history. Aurangzeb built many temples. I do not consider him a cruel ruler. If someone says this was a Hindu-Muslim conflict, I don’t believe it.”
Azmi’s remarks were criticized as derogatory toward Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. As the backlash grew, Azmi withdrew his statement on March 4, clarifying, “My words were distorted. Still, if anyone was hurt, I take back my statement.”
Azmi Suspended for the Budget Session
Following the controversy, Azmi was suspended for the entire Maharashtra Assembly budget session. CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned his statement in the assembly, while Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called for sedition charges against him.
Yogi Adityanath’s Reaction
UP CM Yogi Adityanath also criticized Azmi’s statement, saying, “Anyone who glorifies someone who trampled India’s faith should be expelled from the SP. Call him to UP if needed—we don’t delay dealing with such people.”
Aurangzeb’s Tomb: A Historical Perspective
Aurangzeb’s tomb is located in Khuldabad, about 25 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Historians note that after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, he was buried near the dargah of his spiritual guru, Sheikh Zainuddin, as he had requested.
The tomb was originally a simple mud structure, but British Viceroy Curzon later had it clad in marble. The site remains historically and religiously significant, attracting visitors who come to pay homage.
