Nagpur: Following a series of protests and clashes in the city, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal has imposed a curfew in multiple areas under Police Zones 3, 4, and 5 to maintain law and order. The decision was taken under the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Section 163(1), (2), and (3), effective from March 18, 12:01 AM, until further notice.
It may be recalled that, on March 17, at around 11:30 AM, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mahal, Nagpur. Approximately 200-250 activists gathered, raising slogans demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. During the demonstration, they symbolically burned a green-cloth-wrapped effigy representing the tomb.
Later in the evening, at around 7:30 PM, tensions escalated in the Bhavani Peth area under the jurisdiction of Ganeshpeth Police Station. A group of around 80-100 individuals reportedly pelted stones at the police, creating a situation of unrest and disrupting public peace. The altercation posed a risk to pedestrians and commuters, leading to concerns over law and order.
Curfew Guidelines and Restrictions
In response to these events, the police have enforced a curfew in the following areas:
• Zone 3:Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, and Shantinagar
• Zone 4:Sakkardara, Nandanvan, and Imamwada
• Zone 5:Yashodharanagar and Kapilnagar
Under the curfew:
• No individual, except for medical emergencies, is allowed to step out of their home.
• Public gatherings of more than five people are strictly prohibited.
• Spreading rumors or misinformation is not permitted.
Exemptions and Legal Consequences
The curfew restrictions do not apply to:
• On-duty police personnel, government officials, and administrative staff.
• Essential services such as fire and emergency services.
• Students appearing for scheduled examinations.
Any violation of these orders will lead to strict action under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, Section 223. Authorities have also been granted the power to restrict movement on roads leading to the affected police station areas to ensure law and order.
The curfew order remains in effect until further notice.
