Nagpur: In a bid to ease public inconvenience, Nagpur Police have partially relaxed curfew restrictions in select areas while maintaining a strict lockdown in sensitive zones here, on Thursday, March 20. The curfew, initially imposed on March 18, 2025, at 12:01 AM under Sections 163(1), (2), and (3) of the Indian Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, followed incidents of communal unrest in the city.
Curfew Imposed After Protests and Clashes
On March 17, 2025, at 11:30 AM, members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dalgathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, protesting against the tomb of Aurangzeb. Around 200-250 activists participated, chanting slogans and burning a symbolic tomb wrapped in green cloth.
Later that evening, at 7:30 PM in Bhaldarpura (Ganeshpeth police station limits), a large group allegedly from a specific community pelted stones at police personnel, creating tension and disturbing law and order. The unrest posed a threat to public safety, prompting police to enforce curfew measures.
Curfew Orders & Announced Relaxations:
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal had imposed a curfew in the following areas:
• Zone 3:Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar
• Zone 4:Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada
• Zone 5:Yashodharanagar, Kapil Nagar
However, considering the need for essential services, authorities have now introduced relaxations:
• Curfew Fully Lifted:
Restrictions in Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar have been completely removed.
• Two-Hour Relaxation Period:
Residents in Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Imamwada, and Yashodharanagar can move freely from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to buy essential goods. However, the curfew will resume after 4:01 PM.
• Curfew Still in Force: Kotwali, Tehsil, and Ganeshpeth police station limitswill remain under a strict curfew until further orders.
Legal Consequences for Violations:
Nagpur Police have warned that any violation of these curfew orders will lead to legal action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023.
Citizens are urged to cooperate with law enforcement and help maintain peace while security forces continue to monitor the situation closely.
