Nagpur violence mastermind caught on camera spreading rumors; arrested
What's the story
Fahim Shamim Khan, a prominent leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), has been arrested by Nagpur Police. He allegedly masterminded the communally charged violence that broke out on March 17.
His arrest came after he was named a key suspect in an FIR filed at Ganeshpeth Police Station today.
Police also issued his photo and video of him allegedly giving an incendiary speech right before the violence.
Custody details
Police custody and election history
Khan, 38, is the city president of MDP and a resident of Sanjay Bagh Colony at Yashodhara Nagar. He has been sent to police custody till March 21.
According to India Today, Khan contested the Lok Sabha election in 2024 from the Nagpur constituency, representing the MDA.
He lost to BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari by a huge margin of over 6.5 lakh votes.
Incident details
Unrest in Nagpur sparked by right-wing protest
The violence in Nagpur's Chitnis Park area was caused by rumors that a community's holy book was desecrated when right-wingers protested the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb.
The situation turned ugly in no time, with mobs pelting stones on cops, and 34 personnel injured.
A complaint was filed against the protesters for allegedly hurting a community's religious sentiments.
Law enforcement
Police response and ongoing investigation
A senior police officer said law and order in Nagpur was under control, but curfew still continued in several sensitive parts of the city. Over 2,000 armed policemen have been deployed to ensure peace.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Court has remanded 19 accused in this case to police custody till March 21.
The investigation is ongoing with 10 teams formed to examine all aspects of the case, including if there were others who aided Khan.