Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday that the violence in Nagpur, which broke out on Monday, seemed like a “pre-planned incident”.
On Monday, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal members had held a protest near the Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in the city, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The protesters allegedly burnt an effigy of the Mughal emperor, but the incident sparked rumours of a holy book being desecrated. Four policemen were injured, and several vehicles were torched as the violence broke out.
While speaking in the lower house, Fadnavis said, “After the morning incident, there was silence. By evening, some people attacked in a pre-planned manner. We found a trolley full of stones and weapons which had been seized. In the violence, selected houses and establishments were targeted.”
“This seems a planned incident. No one will be spared. Those who attacked police will not be spared at any cost. It will not be tolerated. The police were trying to maintain peace,” Fadnavis, who also holds Home ministry, said.
The Chief Minister appealed people to maintain restrain.
“This is a period when festivals of all religions are ongoing. Everyone must keep patience and respect others,” he said.
Fadnavis said the film ‘Chhaava’, based on the life of the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, brought the real history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
“But the emotions of people are overflowing, and they are showing anger against Aurangzeb. Despite this, we must show restraint. Maharashtra is getting investment, and we will get it if we manage to keep law and order. I warn everyone that anyone who will disturb the law and order will not be spared,” he added.
UNI
