Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for peace following violent clashes in Nagpur over demands to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. The unrest erupted in the Mahal area after stone pelting incidents and rising tensions. "The police are handling the situation, and I urge people not to believe in rumors. Nagpur has always been a city of harmony," Fadnavis said in a statement.

The confrontation occurred hours after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest calling for the tomb’s removal. As tensions escalated, stone-throwing incidents were reported, and several vehicles, including those of the fire brigade, were set on fire. Fire department officials confirmed injuries among their personnel. The police eventually brought the situation under control using lathi-charge and tear gas. According to reports from the Press Trust of India, four people sustained injuries.

Nagpur Deputy Commissioner of Police Archit Chandak described the situation, stating, "We had to display a show of force and use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles were torched, but the fire was extinguished promptly. Some police officers, including myself, sustained minor injuries during the stone pelting. We urge all citizens to maintain peace."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who represents Nagpur in Parliament, also appealed for calm, addressing the issue through a video message on social media. He assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for instigating violence. "The Chief Minister is aware of the situation. I request everyone not to pay attention to baseless rumors," Gadkari stated.

Earlier, Fadnavis had expressed support for the demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb but stressed that any action should be taken legally. He pointed out that during the Congress regime, the site was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for maintenance. He also remarked that it was "unfortunate" that the state had to be responsible for protecting Aurangzeb’s grave despite historical grievances against the ruler.

The ruling coalition has made strong statements regarding the controversy, while the opposition has accused the government of fueling communal discord. Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the administration, stating that "deliberate attempts are being made to incite conflict and spread hatred, driven by those in power." He blamed cabinet ministers for making provocative statements and demanded the immediate removal of a particular minister from the government.

The dispute over Aurangzeb’s legacy gained traction last month when Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi referred to the Mughal emperor as a competent administrator who had been misrepresented in history. His remarks coincided with heightened sentiments triggered by the release of the Vicky Kaushal-starrer 'Chhaava,' which depicted the torture of Sambhaji Maharaj. Azmi's comments sparked widespread criticism, leading to police cases being filed against him. He has since secured anticipatory bail from a Mumbai court to prevent arrest.

With tensions gradually easing, authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to avoid provocative rhetoric and maintain peace in the city.