Normalcy restored in Nagpur, curfew in some areas, says DC; Cleric condemns molestation of woman cop

NAGPUR: Normalcy has been restored in Nagpur following the recent violence, an official said on Thursday. Nagpur Collector Dr Vipin Itankar said, “Normalcy has been restored, but a curfew is imposed in some parts. We are in touch with the police on this”.

Collector Itankar added that the government is currently assessing the damage to civilian property and will provide compensation to those affected. “The government will assess the damages to property suffered by civilians in this incident to release compensation. As per the initial assessment, 50-60 two-wheelers, 10-15 four-wheelers, cranes and some 5-10 houses were damaged. A team doing Panchmana is on the job”, he said.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | On the law and order situation in Nagpur following violence, Collector Dr Vipin Itankar says, “Normalcy has been restored, but a curfew is imposed in some parts. We are in touch with the Police on this. The government will assess the damages to property… pic.twitter.com/uuaGGHmGMT

— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2025

Earlier today, Muslim cleric Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain condemned the alleged molestation of a policewoman during the Nagpur violence which erupted on March 17, demanding strict action against the culprits.

“The case of molestation of women police personnel which came to light in connection with the Nagpur violence is very regrettable and shameful. Women police personnel are serving the country and working in the interest of people. In such a situation, criminals are molesting them, I demand strict action against them,” Husain said.

On March 19, Nagpur police registered an FIR on the alleged molestation of a policewoman, with the FIR saying that a mob attempted to disrobe her and shouted insulting slogans. The FIR also alleges that a mob shouted inappropriate slogans at other women and vandalised a vehicle.

Nagpur police have arrested 50 people, including seven minors following the violent clashes that erupted on March 17, an official said on Wednesday.

The arrests were made following an investigation into the unrest, during which CCTV cameras were also damaged. Authorities are probing the involvement of the alleged mastermind and assessing the sequence of events leading up to the violence.

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: Police conduct combing operation in Bhaldarpura area

Rahul Madne, DCP Nagpur Police, says, “We have identified the houses from where stones were pelted at us. Combing operation is underway and the accused will be arrested. From here, we’ve taken… pic.twitter.com/dpug3R0bbn

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has identified individuals who posted provocative content on social media amid recent violence in Nagpur. Authorities have stated that notices are being sent to these individuals as part of their investigation. “We have identified a few people who posted provocative posts on social media. They are being sent notice,” said police.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, stated that an investigation is underway into the recent violence in Nagpur. He assured that peace prevails in the city and emphasiSed that there had been no riots in the area for several years. He alleged that misinformation was deliberately spread and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

“The investigation is under way in the Nagpur violence case…There is peace in the city at present. There have been no riots here in the past several years…Some people did all this deliberately… The rumour was deliberately spread…There are many challenges on the issue of law and order, and we will be able to meet them,” he told in the state assembly.

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Eight workers of VHP and Bajrang Dal surrendered before Kotwali police. Police arrested them and produced them before the court.

Maharashtra police in Nagpur has registered FIRs against office-bearers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang… pic.twitter.com/1ifgl5T3io

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025

CM further added, “The Commissioner of Police (CP) has stated that the investigation is ongoing and no conclusion has been reached yet. Therefore, there is no difference between my statement and that of the CP.” He assured that those responsible for the attacks would be identified. “We will dig out the person who attacked even from the grave,” he added.

He further stated that Nagpur remains peaceful and has not witnessed riots since 1992. Fadnavis also refuted claims that religious verses were burned during the violence, stating, “This rumour was deliberately spread. No verses were written and burnt.” Shifting the focus to law and order, Fadnavis emphasized the role of perception in assessing crime statistics.

He noted that Maharashtra ranks eighth in the country, with no city from the state appearing in the top five for crime rates. Among the top ten cities, Nagpur ranks seventh, primarily due to rural areas being merged into its jurisdiction. Without these areas, its ranking would fall between 22nd and 24th place. Meanwhile, Mumbai is positioned at 15th, while Pune stands at 18th. (ANI)