Maharashtra Nagpur Religious Conflict Case

In March 2025, Nagpur, Maharashtra, witnessed violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities after a rally by right-wing groups demanding the removal of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The rally escalated into stone-pelting, arson, and attacks on vehicles and places of worship, resulting in dozens of injuries. Authorities imposed a curfew and deployed the Anti-Terrorism Squad. Police arrested multiple suspects, including Fahim Khan for allegedly sharing an inflammatory video. The state registered cases of rioting and criminal conspiracy, marking one of the severe communal flare-ups in the region.

Investigations are ongoing as of mid-2026, with multiple arrests made but no final trial or judgment delivered yet.

The central dispute is whether the rally and associated speeches constituted protected free expression or crossed into deliberate incitement to religious hatred and violence, and whether law enforcement responded with adequate impartiality and force.

The violence deepened communal divisions in Maharashtra, triggered a political blame game between opposition and ruling parties, reignited national debates on secularism and hate speech legislation, and caused temporary economic disruption and fear in Nagpur.