Following a series of protests and clashes in the city, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singal has imposed a curfew in multiple areas under Police Zones 3, 4, and 5 to maintain law and order. The decision was taken under the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Section 163(1), (2), and (3). The curfew came into effect on March 18 at 12:01 AM and will remain in force until further notice.
On March 17, at around 11:30 AM, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mahal, Nagpur. Approximately 200-250 activists gathered at the site, raising slogans demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. During the demonstration, they symbolically burned an effigy wrapped in a green cloth, representing the tomb.
Later in the evening, at around 7:30 PM, tensions escalated in the Bhavani Peth area under the jurisdiction of Ganeshpeth Police Station. A group of around 80-100 individuals allegedly gathered unlawfully and pelted stones at police personnel, creating a situation of unrest. The altercation disrupted public peace, posed a threat to pedestrians and commuters, and raised concerns over law and order.
In response to these incidents, the police have enforced a curfew in multiple areas. The affected regions include Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, and Shantinagar under Zone 3; Sakkardara, Nandanvan, and Imamwada under Zone 4; and Yashodharanagar and Kapilnagar under Zone 5. As per the curfew restrictions, individuals are prohibited from stepping out of their homes except for medical emergencies. Public gatherings of more than five people are strictly banned, and the dissemination of rumors or misinformation is not permitted.
Certain exemptions apply to the curfew, including on-duty police personnel, government officials, and administrative staff. Essential services such as fire and emergency response teams are also allowed to operate. Additionally, students appearing for scheduled examinations are permitted to travel for their tests.
Violators of the curfew will face strict action under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, Section 223. Authorities have also been granted the power to restrict movement on roads leading to the affected police station areas to ensure law and order. The curfew will remain in effect until further notice.
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