The controversy on Aurangzeb’s grave removal, Tension surrounding RSS HQ in Nagpur.

Nagpur under curfew, RSS HQ gets more security: The controversy surrounding Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s grave removal. Hindus and Muslims stand rival.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Nagpur | March 18, 2025:: Communal clashes broke out in central Nagpur on Monday, sparked by rumors and tensions surrounding two key issues: the  desecration of the Quran as alleged by Muslims and Hindu demands for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The situation escalated quickly, with videos of the Bajrang Dal demonstration going viral on social media and sparking outrage within the Muslim community.

In response to the tensions, a curfew has been enforced in several areas of Nagpur city, including Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Tehsil, among others. The curfew will remain in effect until further notice, as per the order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal. From sources it is also known thatr extra security has been arranged for the RSS HQ in the city.

The demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave has gained momentum among some Hindu right-wing groups, who argue that his policies were oppressive and contrary to the nation’s secular fabric. Aurangzeb, the last of the significant Mughal emperors, ruled from 1658 to 1707 and was known for his orthodox policies, including destroying Hindu temples and imposing jizya (a tax on non-Muslims, especially on Hindus).

The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb has led to increased security measures, with police requiring all visitors to register and provide identification. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been at the forefront of the demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, citing his controversial history and labeling his tomb as a symbol of “pain and slavery”.

In the meanwhile, Nitesh Rane, a minister in Maharashtra government stocked a controversy by saying, “Govt will do its job, you do yours.“

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday invoked the demolition of Babri Masjid and asked Hindutva outfits to do their duty while the government will carry its responsibilities amid protests by right-wing bodies for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave, which they termed as the “symbol of pain and slavery”, in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

“The government will do its part while Hindutva outfits must do theirs. When Babri Masjid was being demolished, we did not sit and talk to each other. Our karsevaks did what was appropriate,” Rane said. He spoke while addressing a gathering at  Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace, Shivneri fort, in Pune district on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

The VHP staged protests at government offices in different parts of Maharashtra and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave/tomb.

In case of government inaction, the VHP warned that it would march to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district and demolish the grave.

Off late, a rift has emerged between the RSS and Bajrang Dal over the issue of Aurangzeb’s tomb, with the Bajrang Dal demanding its immediate removal, citing it as a symbol of slavery. In contrast, the RSS is adopting a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for communal harmony.

Watch:: People who want to make Aurangzeb hero will fail, says BJP’s Praveen Khandelwal on Nagpur violence.

Read more::  Police on Tuesday informed that more than 50 people have been taken into custody in connection with the violence that erupted on March 17 (Monday). Moreover, five FIRs have been registered, Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal said.

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__Inputs from ANI, HT. Money Control and Deccan Herald.