Fahim Shamim Khan, a local leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), was arrested by Nagpur Police on Wednesday for allegedly orchestrating the recent communal violence that rocked the city.
The 38-year-old, who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, was remanded to police custody until March 21.
The unrest began near Aurangzeb’s tomb on Monday and quickly escalated into large-scale clashes involving arson, stone-pelting, and attacks on police personnel. The violence left 30 police officers injured, including anti-riot commandos and senior officers. Mobs torched vehicles, vandalized police vans, and clashed with security forces, prompting a citywide security crackdown.
Authorities imposed curfews in affected areas and arrested over 50 individuals involved in the riots. Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry demanded a detailed report on the violence, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city approaches.
Police suspect that misinformation on social media played a key role in mobilizing crowds and escalating tensions. Over 2,000 police personnel, supported by intelligence agencies and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), have been deployed across the city to maintain order.
