Nagpur: Nagpur Police have identified Faheem Khan (38) as the mastermind behind the riots that erupted over the demand to relocate Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb out of Maharashtra. Police have released Khan’s photograph, stating in the FIR that he gathered a mob and instigated violence. He has been booked under multiple charges and taken into custody here, on Wednesday, March 19.

Who Is Faheem Khan?

According to police sources, Faheem Khan is a resident of Sanjay Bagh in Yashodhara Nagar, Nagpur. He studied up to the 10th grade but has been active in politics. Currently, he serves as the city president of the Minority Democratic Party. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he contested against BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur but was defeated by 6.5 lakh votes.

How the Violence Unfolded:

The clashes erupted on Monday night following a protest by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Mahal. After the protest, rumors began circulating, and by 8 PM, tensions escalated in the Hansapuri area, a Hindu-Muslim dominated locality. A violent mob stormed the area, pelting stones and vandalizing property. The unrest continued until midnight, causing widespread panic.

Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures:

Nagpur Police have arrested Khan and are investigating whether the violence was orchestrated by a single individual or an organization. So far, six cases have been registered, and complaints have been filed against 1,200 people, with fewer than 200 individuals named. The rest are being tracked down.

Curfew and Restrictions Still in Place:

Authorities have imposed a curfew in 11 police station areas and enforced Section 163 in multiple parts of the city, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people. Residents have been urged to stay calm and avoid spreading rumors.

Stay tuned for further updates on Nagpur News.