Nagpur witnessed a disturbing incident during recent communal violence, where a woman police officer on duty was allegedly molested by a group of rioters. The FIR filed at Ganeshpeth Police Station reveals shocking details about the attack on law enforcement officers amid rising tensions in the city. According to police sources, a female police official was cornered and molested by the rowdy crowd, however, soon fellow police personnel came to her rescue, taking her to safe location.
A curfew has been imposed in parts of a city in India’s western state of Maharashtra after Hindu groups demanded the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb, a 17th-Century Mughal emperor, sparking violence on Monday night. Vehicles were set on fire and stones were thrown in the Mahal area of Nagpur city.
The tomb of Aurangzeb, who died more than 300 years ago, has in recent years become a political flashpoint amid growing calls for its removal by hardline Hindu groups. It is located about 500km (311 miles) from Nagpur in the state’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, which was earlier called Aurangabad after the emperor.
Incident Details
According to the FIR, the woman officer was deployed as part of the Rapid Control Police (RCP) squad to manage the violent situation. During the clashes, a group of rioters misbehaved with her, pulling her uniform and attempting to touch her inappropriately. She immediately reported the incident to senior officials, leading to a formal complaint and subsequent legal action against those involved.
Apart from the molestation, the complaint also highlights that other women police officers faced harassment. The mob reportedly made obscene gestures, passed lewd comments, and attempted to intimidate female officers on duty. These actions not only compromised the safety of law enforcement personnel but also escalated tensions in the already volatile area.
Authorities have registered cases against 51 individuals named in the FIR, while investigations are underway to identify other perpetrators. Additionally, some office-bearers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have been booked for allegedly making statements that hurt religious sentiments during their protest.
Curfew & Heavy Police Deployment
To control the law-and-order situation, a curfew has been imposed in sensitive areas of Nagpur. More than 2,000 armed police personnel, along with Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Riot Control Police (RCP), have been deployed to prevent further unrest. Senior officers, including DCPs, are leading patrols in affected areas to ensure peace is restored.
Current Situation
A senior police official has assured that the situation is under control, but authorities remain on high alert. Efforts are being made to maintain peace and take strict action against those responsible for inciting violence and targeting police officers.
This disturbing incident highlights the growing challenges faced by law enforcement personnel and the urgent need for stronger measures to ensure their safety, especially during high-tension communal conflicts.
