Who is Fahim Khan, the alleged mastermind behind Nagpur riots
What's the story
Fahim Shamim Khan, a leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), was arrested by Maharashtra police in relation to the recent Nagpur riots on Wednesday.
The unrest on March 17 started after volunteers associated with the far-right group Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Nagpur, demanding the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb.
During the protest, Khan is alleged to have instigated violence by spreading false rumors about desecration of a holy book.
Involvement
Khan's alleged role in the Nagpur riots
Khan has been named in one of six FIRs lodged in connection with the riots, which left over 70 injured, including 34 policemen.
He is now being investigated along with 50 others. Authorities have remanded him to police custody till Friday as they probe his alleged role in the Nagpur riots.
The MDP has denied the allegations, claiming Khan only went to the police station to demand action against defilers of religious texts.
Political career
Khan's political background and previous elections
Khan, 38, is MDP's city president in Nagpur.
The party was formed in 2009 as the political wing of Imaan Tanzeem, an organization headed by Mohammad Hamid Engineer.
Khan had contested from Nagpur against senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but managed just 1,073 votes, while Gadkari won by over 6.5 lakh votes.
Allegations
Khan's alleged role in inciting unrest
According to News18, Khan was instrumental in inciting the unrest in Nagpur.
He allegedly called people to assemble first near Ganesh Peth Police Station and later at a Mahal mosque.
He helped spread rumors about the alleged desecration, further stoking emotions, authorities say.
However, MDP leader Alim Patel said they are shocked by his arrest. He was only demanding action against those involved in defiling religious texts, he insisted.
Riots
Nagpur violence leads to large-scale rioting
By Monday evening, almost 1,000 people had taken to the streets, triggering massive rioting.
Stone-pelting, vandalism, arson were reported, with several vehicles, police cars, traffic booths, and houses damaged.
The mob used dangerous weapons like axes, stones, and petrol bombs to attack police.
Shocking reports emerged of a woman constable being molested by rioters who allegedly tore her uniform to disrobe her while others made obscene gestures at women officers.
Curfew
Authorities impose indefinite curfew
As violence continued to spread, authorities clamped an indefinite curfew in sensitive areas to check further violence.
Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal confirmed the authorities are looking into whether the violence was the handiwork of an individual or a larger network.
Police have booked over 1,200 people across six FIRs, with members of VHP and Bajrang Dal among those booked.