Situation normal before PM Modi's visit to Nagpur

Normalcy is slowly returning to the city, days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Nagpur later this month. The unrest was triggered by demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb from Maharashtra, with tensions heightened by rumours of the burning of a sacred cloth 'chadar' inscribed with verses from the Quran. For the latest updates on national news and developments, visit Vaartha - National News.

Normalcy is returning to the city, days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Nagpur later this month, with police taking precautionary measures and arresting several people. The unrest was triggered by demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb from Maharashtra, with tensions heightened by rumours of the burning of a sacred cloth 'chadar' inscribed with verses from the Quran. Stay updated with breaking news and reports from across the country on Vaartha - National News.

Stone pelting, arson, and widespread chaos forced curfews in several areas. The curfew has been partially lifted in parts of the city after the situation returned to normal. Restoring normalcy in Nagpur is a top priority for the police, not only because the city is the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh – which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year – or because it is represented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, but also because Mr Modi is scheduled to visit here on March 30 to mark Gudi Padwa, the first day of the Hindu calendar. For live updates on city events, visit Vaartha Epaper.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Madhav Netra Hospital, an RSS-backed initiative. He is also expected to visit the Hedgewar Smriti Mandir, which will be his first visit since becoming Prime Minister in 2014 and the first by any sitting Prime Minister. "Enforcement officials of both the Centre and the state are working together to ensure that everything remains normal in the city. The SPG will soon take control of the venue for additional security," an official said.

Serious allegations A local court in Nagpur has sent 17 people arrested in connection with the violence to police custody till March 22. The court stressed the "seriousness of the offence" and said that "prima facie the allegations against them are substantiated." The accused were produced before Magistrate Maimuna Sultana on Thursday night, where the police sought seven-day custody for further interrogation. However, the court granted only two-day custody. The arrests were made in connection with an FIR lodged by the Ganeshpeth police.

In its order, the court said the allegations against the accused were of a "serious nature", making custodial interrogation necessary for investigation. The decision reflects an attempt by the judiciary to balance the need for a thorough investigation with the rights of the accused. For more information on legal proceedings, visit Vaartha Epaper.

'A flood of emotions' Mr Fadnavis will reach Nagpur on Friday evening, which will be his first visit to his hometown since the clashes.

He will stay overnight, but no public programme is scheduled during his visit, officials said. He is expected to return to Mumbai on Saturday. Addressing the state assembly on Tuesday, Mr Fadnavis described the violence as a “planned incident” and vowed that “no one will be spared” in holding those responsible accountable. He also made a reference to the film Chhava, which portrays the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and said it depicts real history. “People’s emotions are flowing, and they are showing anger against Aurangzeb,” he said, highlighting the historical and emotional undercurrents that have fuelled tensions.