Tensions in Nagpur have escalated after police booked Fahim Khan, city chief of the Minority Democratic Party, and five others for sedition and spreading false information on social media, which allegedly triggered violent clashes. The unrest broke out following rumors of a sacred ‘chadar’ being burnt during protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Sambhajinagar district.
The violence is being linked to the film Chhava, which portrays the brutal execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb. Barelvi cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a ban on the film, claiming it incites communal hatred and provoked the Nagpur unrest. Maharashtra’s cybercrime department is investigating 230 social media profiles that allegedly spread misinformation and glorified the violence.
The Archaeological Survey of India, under district administration directives, has installed tin sheets and wire fencing around Aurangzeb’s tomb to prevent further provocation. Meanwhile, political blame games have intensified, with Shiv Sena (UBT) attacking Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis for blaming the film. The party’s mouthpiece Saamana called this an act of weak morale, questioning whether actors and filmmakers will also be charged.
Fadnavis defended the film, stating it merely portrays historical truth, while Maulana Razvi accused the movie of deliberately portraying Aurangzeb as anti-Hindu, inciting Hindu youth to violence. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the violence, reiterating the importance of India’s unity in diversity.
The Maharashtra Cyber department has identified over 140 objectionable posts and videos aimed at stoking communal unrest. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise restraint and avoid sharing unverified or inflammatory content as the investigation continues.
