Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur

Nagpur, Mar 19: Faheem Khan, the city president of the Minority Democratic Party, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the communal violence that erupted in Nagpur on March 17. Police have identified Khan as the alleged mastermind behind the unrest, which left several people, including police officers, injured.

Khan was produced in court, where his custody was granted to the police until March 21. He is one of 51 individuals named in the FIR related to the incident. According to authorities, the 38-year-old Khan played a central role in instigating the mob during the violent confrontation.

The FIR alleges that Khan was the first to gather a group of 30 to 40 people around 11 a.m., ahead of the protest organized by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Though Khan initially went to the police station to give a statement, he later accused the VHP and Bajrang Dal of stoking trouble with their protest. He is also accused of inciting the mob by claiming that the police, who he alleged belonged to the Hindu community, were not supportive of the protesters.

The police report filed in Ganesh Peth also mentions a conspiracy involving rape, molestation, and misconduct toward women. Early investigations suggest that the violence was premeditated, aimed at attacking police personnel.

Authorities are examining how a trolley of stones was brought to the scene and how such a large crowd was mobilized for the disturbance.

Khan, who previously contested the state Assembly elections but lost, remains in police custody as investigations continue. In response to the unrest, a curfew has been imposed in 11 police station areas across Zones 3, 4, and 5 of Nagpur. Residents are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and avoid gatherings of more than five people.

Despite the curfew, normalcy prevails in other parts of the city, with public transport running and people going about their daily activities.