Nagpur politician Faheem Khan arrested for alleged role in recent violence

Nagpur police on March 19 arrested Faheem Khan, a local politician affiliated with the Minority Democratic Party, for allegedly inciting the violent clashes that erupted in the city earlier this week.

The riots, which saw tensions flare between two communities, were sparked by demands to relocate Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb from Maharashtra.

Khan, identified as a key accused, has been remanded in custody until March 21, police confirmed. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating whether the violence was orchestrated by an individual or a larger organization.

Six cases have been registered so far, with complaints filed against 1,200 individuals — though fewer than 200 have been formally named, and efforts are underway to trace the others, officials said.

The arrests follow strong remarks from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who on March 18 labeled the unrest a "premeditated conspiracy" by unidentified elements.

Addressing the state Assembly, Fadnavis detailed the sequence of events, explaining that tensions escalated after Hindu protesters —including members of hardline groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal — burned a "symbolic grave" made of grass bundles.

Subsequently, rumors spread that the green cloth draped over the makeshift grave bore religious text, further inflaming the situation. “After Friday prayers, a crowd of 250 people gathered, shouting slogans. When threats to set vehicles on fire emerged, police intervened with force,” Fadnavis said.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and identify those responsible for orchestrating the unrest.