Tensions in Nagpur escalated into violent clashes on March 17, 2025, following protests over the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and the release of the Bollywood film Chhava, a biographical drama about Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The unrest, which left at least 20 people injured, has drawn sharp criticism and calls for peace from political leaders and law enforcement.
According to Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal, the violence erupted around 8:00–8:30 p.m. in the Mahal and Chitnis Park areas after a green cloth bearing Quranic inscriptions was burned during a protest. The act, perceived as an attack on religious sentiments, triggered a gathering of people and subsequent stone-pelting incidents, with two vehicles also set ablaze, including a JCB machine. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd, while additional personnel were deployed to restore order.
The protests were led by Hindu nationalist groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who have demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, located near the city. The Mughal emperor, known for his long reign (1658–1707) and controversial policies against non-Muslims, remains a polarizing figure in India. His actions, including conflicts with Maratha leaders like Sambhaji, have fueled historical and cultural tensions that resurfaced in this incident.
Adding fuel to the fire, the recently released film Chhava, starring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. The film’s depiction of historical events, including interactions with Aurangzeb, has been criticized by some as inflammatory, with allegations that it has “spread hatred” and contributed to the unrest. A trailer scene showing Sambhaji’s portrayal led to objections from descendants of the Maratha king and political figures, prompting the filmmakers to edit the content. However, the film’s release has coincided with heightened communal sensitivities in the region.
In a post on X late on March 17, user
@VeerTaa007
claimed, “Nagpur में हिंसा औरंगज़ेब के पुतले से नहीं, बल्कि उस चादर को जलाने से भड़की, जिस पर क़ुरान की आयतें थीं! यह आस्था पर सीधा प्रहार था… Chhava ने ज़हर घोल दिया, नफ़रत फैला दी, जिसका असर सड़कों पर दिख रहा है.” The post, accompanied by images of the violence and Chhava’s promotional posters, has garnered significant attention, sparking heated debates online.
The violence has drawn widespread condemnation. Maharashtra Minister and State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged residents to prioritize peace and avoid rumors, emphasizing that an investigation would determine the root causes. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, Congress leader Pawan Khera, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, criticized the state government for failing to maintain law and order.
As of 07:50 AM IST on March 18, Nagpur Police reported that the situation is now under control, with prohibitory orders in place to prevent further escalation. However, the incident has reignited debates about historical narratives, religious sensitivities, and the role of cinema in shaping public sentiment in India.
Authorities are investigating the incident, with calls for both communities to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through legal channels rather than violence. The Chhava controversy and the Aurangzeb tomb dispute continue to highlight the deep-seated historical and cultural divides in the region, leaving Nagpur on edge as the city grapples with the aftermath of the clashes.