RSS on Nagpur riots: ‘Aurangzeb not relevant today, no type of violence good for society’

RSS national spokesperson Sunil Ambekar (Image: ANI)

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Wednesday stated that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb -- whose tomb was at the centre of the recent clashes in Nagpur -- was no longer relevant and stressed that violence of any kind is harmful for society.

Addressing a press conference, RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said, “I think Aurangzeb is not relevant today.”

The RSS position comes at a time of escalating tensions following the Nagpur violence sparked by demands to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb and associated rumours.

Fifty individuals have been detained, and a curfew remains in effect for the second consecutive day across ten police district areas in Nagpur following violent clashes that erupted on March 17, police said.

Speaking to ANI, DCP Rahul Maknikar said, "The situation is under control. The investigation is underway. We have formed 10 teams. We have detained 50 people so far."

On being questioned about the recent clashes in Nagpur, Ambekar stated, “Any type of violence is not good for the health of society and I think the police have taken cognisance of it and so they will go into the details.”

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: When asked if Aurangzeb is still relevant today and whether his tomb should be removed, Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS, says, "I think it is not relevant."On the Nagpur violence, he says, "Violence of any kind is not good for pic.twitter.com/7q0e6f9D5m

ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025

As reported by news agency PTI, the situation intensified across several areas of Nagpur amid claims that a holy book of the Muslim community was burned during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protest at Shivaji Putla Square near Mahal Gate. Effigies of Aurangzeb and a religious chadar were also allegedly set on fire.

As many as 34 police personnel were injured in the violence.

A curfew, restricting the movement of people and vehicles, was subsequently imposed in sensitive areas in the city.

According to the city police, the curfew is now in force in areas under the jurisdiction of the Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shant Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar and Kapil Nagar police station.