Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pointed fingers at poor social media monitoring as a major lapse in handling the recent Nagpur violence. Speaking at an ABP Majha event, Fadnavis emphasized that tracking online activity on the day of the incident could have helped the police anticipate and counter the violence. However, he firmly denied any intelligence failure and defended the police response as appropriate.
He raised concerns over social media messages containing Bengali content and hinted at a possible larger conspiracy, given its use in Bangladesh as well. Fadnavis, who also heads the state’s home department, admitted that social media surveillance on that day was not up to the mark and stressed the need to build that habit among law enforcement.
The violence broke out on Monday evening after rumors spread that a chadar with holy inscriptions was burned during VHP-led protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Stone pelting and arson were reported across several parts of Nagpur. Fadnavis confirmed that mobilization happened via social media messages and assured that arrests are ongoing.
Defending the police, he highlighted their courage in controlling the situation, especially in narrow lanes where the situation was more volatile. Police officials had earlier reported identifying over 140 inflammatory social media posts and videos aimed at provoking communal unrest.
Thirty-three police personnel, including three senior officers, were injured in the violence. Seventeen accused, including key suspect Fahim Khan, have been remanded in police custody till March 22 on charges of sedition and spreading misinformation.
Fadnavis also addressed political questions, distancing himself from Uddhav Thackeray while maintaining contact with Raj Thackeray. He confirmed that the ruling Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP will contest upcoming local body elections, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, together.
