Fahim Khan Identified as Mastermind of March 17 Violence
Nagpur Police arrested Fahim Shamim Khan, a local leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), for allegedly masterminding the communal violence that erupted in the city on March 17, injuring several people. Khan’s arrest followed the release of his photograph and a video in which he was seen delivering an inflammatory speech moments before the clashes broke out.
Khan Remanded to Police Custody
The 38-year-old politician, who serves as the city president of MDP and resides in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, was officially named in an FIR at Ganeshpeth Police Station before his arrest. He has been remanded to police custody until March 21. Authorities state that preliminary investigations and video evidence indicate his speech played a direct role in escalating tensions.
Khan’s Political Background and Election Defeat
Fahim Khan contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Nagpur constituency under the MDP banner, challenging senior BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. However, he suffered a massive defeat, losing by over 6.5 lakh votes.
Communal Clashes and Injuries
Violence erupted in Nagpur’s Chitnis Park area on March 17 following rumors about the desecration of a community’s holy book during a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to stone-pelting and clashes that left 34 police personnel injured.
Law Enforcement Actions and Ongoing Curfew
Despite lodging an FIR against the protesters, no arrests have been made so far. A senior official confirmed that the law and order situation in Nagpur is now under control, but a curfew remains in effect in sensitive areas. Over 2,000 armed police personnel have been deployed to prevent further unrest.