Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam launched a scathing attack on the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing it of siding with elements responsible for the recent violence in Nagpur. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Sunday, Nirupam alleged that the opposition party was aligning itself with groups that posed a threat to Maharashtra’s security and questioned its ideological shift. “Is the Sena (UBT) aligning itself with the Mujahideen? Are the Thackerays and (Sanjay) Raut supporting them?” he asked, stating that such actions would not be tolerated in the state.
Further intensifying his criticism, Nirupam claimed that the Thackeray-led faction was drifting toward an “anti-Hindu” stance. He alleged that Matoshree, the residence of Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai, might soon display a portrait of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb alongside those of Balasaheb Thackeray and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “This shift in ideology is a betrayal of the late Balasaheb’s principles,” he remarked, accusing the opposition of adopting divisive political strategies.
Nirupam Links Nagpur Violence To Bangladeshis
Nirupam also made a controversial claim that the violence in Nagpur was premeditated and had links to Bangladesh. According to him, individuals involved in the unrest had connections to the neighboring country, and one of the arrested suspects had allegedly been using social media to fund “Mujahideen activities.” He demanded strict action against those responsible, stating, “Such incidents should never be allowed to repeat in Maharashtra.”
Government Response & Ongoing Investigation
While Nirupam pushed for immediate action, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged caution, stating that it was too early to confirm any foreign links to the violence. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis mentioned that investigations were ongoing and that authorities were yet to establish a concrete connection to Bangladesh.
According to PTI reports, state agencies have identified 104 individuals involved in the violence after analyzing CCTV footage and video evidence. So far, legal action has been taken against 92 people, including 12 minors. Officials are continuing their probe to uncover further details.
About Nagpur Clashes
The violence in Nagpur erupted on 17 March following rumors that a ‘chadar’ with religious inscriptions had been burned during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The demonstrations were reportedly demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. As tensions escalated, violent clashes broke out across several areas, leading to widespread stone-pelting and arson.
The clashes resulted in injuries to 33 police personnel, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank. The Maharashtra police have since intensified their efforts to restore order and prevent any further unrest.
