MAHARASHTRA chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday (18) said the violence in Nagpur appears to be a premeditated conspiracy and the mob had targeted specific houses and establishments.

Violence erupted on Monday (17) evening, with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb (located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district).

The chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio, also acknowledged that the recent blockbuster movie “Chhaava” had fuelled public anger against Aurangzeb, but urged everyone to ensure peace in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis said in the assembly that 33 policemen, including three deputy commissioners, were injured in the violence, and one of the senior officials was attacked with an axe on Monday (17) night.

The chief minister warned that those who attacked police personnel will not be spared.

Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde claimed that there was a conspiracy to target a specific community. He described the violence as “unfortunate” and appealed for calm.

Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said social media was used to vitiate the atmosphere, and appealed to the opposition not to politicise the matter.

Bawankule, who conducted a review meeting with the police commissioner and district collector, also appealed to members of all the communities to maintain harmony.

“Social media was used to vitiate the atmosphere and there was no failure on part of the home department, as Read More…..