A curfew has been imposed in parts of Nagpur city in Maharashtra state after violence erupted following Hindu groups’ demands to remove the tomb of Aurangzeb, a 17th-Century Mughal emperor.
Monday night’s unrest in the Mahal area saw vehicles set ablaze and stone-throwing incidents. Police report the situation is now under control and are urging calm.
Aurangzeb’s tomb, located approximately 500km from Nagpur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (formerly Aurangabad), has become a contentious political issue in recent years.
The violence followed demonstrations by two Hindu organizations, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, who burned an effigy of the emperor while demanding the tomb’s removal, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Fadnavis told the state assembly that rumors of religious desecration spread, leading to what appeared to be “a well-planned attack.” He reported that following evening prayers, about 250 Muslim men gathered and began shouting slogans, prompting police intervention when threats to burn vehicles emerged.
Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal confirmed over 50 people have been detained and 33 police officers were injured. Central Nagpur businesses remain closed as security has been intensified throughout the city.
Opposition parties have criticized the BJP-led state government, claiming “law and order in the state has collapsed.”
The recent unrest has been attributed to a Bollywood film depicting Maratha ruler Sambhaji’s torture after his defeat by Aurangzeb. Fadnavis stated the movie has “ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb.”
Earlier controversy arose when regional politician Abu Azmi suggested Aurangzeb was not a “cruel administrator” and had “built many temples.” After claiming his remarks were misinterpreted, Azmi was suspended from the state assembly and investigated.
In 2022, Aurangzeb’s tomb was closed to visitors after a politician questioned “the need for its existence.” That same year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to “Aurangzeb’s atrocities” and “terror,” stating “He tried to change civilization by the sword.”
Aurangzeb ruled India for nearly five decades (1658-1707) as the sixth Mughal emperor. While known as a devout Muslim who lived ascetically, he was also known for expanding the empire, imposing strict sharia laws, and implementing discriminatory taxes. Though accused of destroying Hindu temples, some historians note he also constructed some.
About the author
China Furious Over Hong Kong’s Company Sale of Panama Canal Ports
Chinese authorities are investigating a major transaction involving Hong Kong company CK Hutchison's plan to sell its global ports business, including Panama Canal assets, to US investment firm BlackRock. Multiple Chinese agencies began examining the $22.8 billion deal on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg News. President Donald Trump previously celebrated the potential sale while expressing concerns about Chinese control of the strategic waterway. Following the deal's announcement, China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office shared commentaries criticizing the sale as betraying national interests. The transaction is reportedly being reviewed for security risks and antitrust violations at the direction of senior Chinese leadership. Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson deflected questions about the investigation but emphasized China's opposition to "economic coercion and bullying" that undermines legitimate rights of other countries. Hong Kong's leader John Lee echoed these sentiments, urging foreign governments to provide fair […]
Gaza Under Fire as Israel Orders Mass Evacuations During Airstrikes
The Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in several Gaza areas after conducting airstrikes that Palestinian health officials report killed 404 people and wounded 562 others. On Tuesday, the army directed immediate evacuations in Beit Hanoon, Khirbet Khuza'a, Abasan al-Kabira and Abasan al-Jadida neighborhoods. "The IDF has launched a massive offensive against terrorist organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones!" wrote Israeli army Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X, instructing civilians to seek shelter in western Gaza City or Khan Younis. The orders followed Tuesday's Israeli attacks that effectively ended a two-month ceasefire agreement that began January 19. Hamas stated that Netanyahu's government had chosen to "overturn" the fragile truce. The strikes disrupted the relative calm during Ramadan that had allowed some Palestinians to return to their homes under the ceasefire terms. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud […]
Curfew in Indian City as Ancient Emperor’s Tomb Sparks Riots
A curfew has been imposed in parts of Nagpur city in Maharashtra state after violence erupted following Hindu groups' demands to remove the tomb of Aurangzeb, a 17th-Century Mughal emperor. Monday night's unrest in the Mahal area saw vehicles set ablaze and stone-throwing incidents. Police report the situation is now under control and are urging calm. Aurangzeb's tomb, located approximately 500km from Nagpur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (formerly Aurangabad), has become a contentious political issue in recent years. The violence followed demonstrations by two Hindu organizations, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, who burned an effigy of the emperor while demanding the tomb's removal, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis told the state assembly that rumors of religious desecration spread, leading to what appeared to be "a well-planned attack." He reported that following evening prayers, about 250 Muslim […]
Heroic Tanker Crew Praised After Deadly North Sea Ship Collision Disaster
The co-owners of the oil tanker Stena Immaculate have released the first image showing 19 crew members while commending their "exceptional bravery" following a collision with cargo ship Solong in the North Sea. The vessels collided off East Yorkshire on March 10, causing an explosion and fires which have now been extinguished. A Filipino crew member from the Portuguese-flagged Solong, identified as 38-year-old Mark Angelo Pernia, is missing and presumed dead. The Russian captain of the Solong, 59-year-old Vladimir Motin from St Petersburg, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and remains in custody until his April 14 court appearance. Florida-based Crowley, which manages the tanker, praised the 23 Stena Immaculate crew members for their "decisive efforts and teamwork" during emergency procedures that "helped save lives, protect the vessel and minimize environmental impact." The company noted their actions limited damage […]
NATO Nations Abandon Global Landmine Ban as Russia Threat Intensifies
Poland and the Baltic states have announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, citing growing security concerns regarding Russia. Defense ministers from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland issued a joint statement explaining that threats from Moscow and Belarus have "significantly increased" since they signed the treaty. They emphasized the importance of providing their military forces with "flexibility and freedom of choice" in defending NATO's eastern boundary. The Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, took effect in 1997 with the goal of eliminating anti-personnel mines globally. While over 160 countries have joined the agreement, major military powers including Russia, China, the US, India and Pakistan never signed. The Baltic nations had all joined the convention by 2005, with Poland following in 2012. Tuesday's joint statement highlighted that the regional security situation has "significantly […]
US Supreme Court Rejects Trump Administration’s Request to Halt Foreign Aid Payments
A divided US Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Trump administration's request to maintain a freeze on billions of dollars in congressionally approved foreign aid. The Court did not specify when the funds must be released, allowing the administration to continue challenging the issue in lower courts. The 5-4 ruling saw Chief Justice John Roberts joining Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson in the majority. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. The majority noted that since a court-ordered deadline to disburse the funds had already passed, lower courts should clarify what obligations the government must fulfill to comply with the temporary restraining order. The ruling doesn't require immediate payment of up to $2 billion in foreign aid; it simply allows the district court to potentially compel those payments with […]
Related
China Furious Over Hong Kong’s Company Sale of Panama Canal Ports
Chinese authorities are investigating a major transaction involving Hong Kong company CK Hutchison's plan to sell its global ports business, including Panama Canal assets, to US investment firm BlackRock. Multiple Chinese agencies began examining the $22.8 billion deal on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg News. President Donald Trump previously celebrated the potential sale while expressing concerns about Chinese control of the strategic waterway. Following the deal's announcement, China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office shared commentaries criticizing the sale as betraying national interests. The transaction is reportedly being reviewed for security risks and antitrust violations at the direction of senior Chinese leadership. Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson deflected questions about the investigation but emphasized China's opposition to "economic coercion and bullying" that undermines legitimate rights of other countries. Hong Kong's leader John Lee echoed these sentiments, urging foreign governments to provide fair […]
Gaza Under Fire as Israel Orders Mass Evacuations During Airstrikes
The Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in several Gaza areas after conducting airstrikes that Palestinian health officials report killed 404 people and wounded 562 others. On Tuesday, the army directed immediate evacuations in Beit Hanoon, Khirbet Khuza'a, Abasan al-Kabira and Abasan al-Jadida neighborhoods. "The IDF has launched a massive offensive against terrorist organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones!" wrote Israeli army Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X, instructing civilians to seek shelter in western Gaza City or Khan Younis. The orders followed Tuesday's Israeli attacks that effectively ended a two-month ceasefire agreement that began January 19. Hamas stated that Netanyahu's government had chosen to "overturn" the fragile truce. The strikes disrupted the relative calm during Ramadan that had allowed some Palestinians to return to their homes under the ceasefire terms. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud […]
Heroic Tanker Crew Praised After Deadly North Sea Ship Collision Disaster
The co-owners of the oil tanker Stena Immaculate have released the first image showing 19 crew members while commending their "exceptional bravery" following a collision with cargo ship Solong in the North Sea. The vessels collided off East Yorkshire on March 10, causing an explosion and fires which have now been extinguished. A Filipino crew member from the Portuguese-flagged Solong, identified as 38-year-old Mark Angelo Pernia, is missing and presumed dead. The Russian captain of the Solong, 59-year-old Vladimir Motin from St Petersburg, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and remains in custody until his April 14 court appearance. Florida-based Crowley, which manages the tanker, praised the 23 Stena Immaculate crew members for their "decisive efforts and teamwork" during emergency procedures that "helped save lives, protect the vessel and minimize environmental impact." The company noted their actions limited damage […]
NATO Nations Abandon Global Landmine Ban as Russia Threat Intensifies
Poland and the Baltic states have announced their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, citing growing security concerns regarding Russia. Defense ministers from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland issued a joint statement explaining that threats from Moscow and Belarus have "significantly increased" since they signed the treaty. They emphasized the importance of providing their military forces with "flexibility and freedom of choice" in defending NATO's eastern boundary. The Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, took effect in 1997 with the goal of eliminating anti-personnel mines globally. While over 160 countries have joined the agreement, major military powers including Russia, China, the US, India and Pakistan never signed. The Baltic nations had all joined the convention by 2005, with Poland following in 2012. Tuesday's joint statement highlighted that the regional security situation has "significantly […]
Trump Cuts to US Media Outlets Celebrated by Chinese State Press
Chinese state media has welcomed Donald Trump's decision to cut funding for Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, news outlets known for reporting on authoritarian regimes. The executive order has affected thousands of employees, with approximately 1,300 staff at Voice Of America (VOA) placed on paid leave since Friday. While critics call it a setback for democracy, Beijing's state newspaper Global Times condemned VOA for its "appalling track record" in reporting on China, saying it has "now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag." The White House defended the action, stating it will "ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda." Trump's cuts target the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which receives congressional funding and supports news outlets including VOA, Radio Free Asia (RFA), and Radio Free Europe. These organizations have […]
Hollywood Giant Behind Matrix and Joker Files Bankruptcy After Warner Bros Feud
Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, the production company responsible for major franchises including The Matrix, Joker, and Ocean's, has filed for bankruptcy protection in a Delaware court. The company attributes its financial collapse to two primary factors: an ongoing legal dispute with former partner Warner Bros (WB) and unsuccessful investments in independent film and television production. As part of its restructuring strategy, Village Roadshow is proposing to sell its extensive film library for $365 million. Court documents reveal the company's debts range between $500 million and $1 billion. The relationship between Village Roadshow and Warner Bros deteriorated in early 2022 following the release of "The Matrix Resurrections" on HBO Max. Village Roadshow alleged that WB had excluded it from rights to sequels and prequels of their jointly produced films. Chief Restructuring Officer Keith Maib stated in court filings that "the WB […]
Be the first to leave a comment