Nagpur: In a fresh development in the March 17, 2025 riots case, Nagpur Police have re-arrested the prime accused, Fahim Khan, who was previously out on bail.
Khan had earlier been booked for allegedly inciting mobs and triggering large-scale violence in the Mahal area, which led to the death of 39-year-old Irfan Ansari and caused significant damage to public and private property.
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The unrest had erupted following a protest by members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue. During the protest, demonstrators burned an effigy of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and raised slogans demanding the removal of his tomb.
Tensions escalated after rumours spread that a ‘chadar’ bearing Quranic inscriptions had been burnt during the agitation. Police later described these claims as baseless rumours, a stance disputed by sections of the local Muslim community.
The rumour quickly fuelled anger, leading to mobilization from both communities and resulting in violent clashes across several parts of the city, including Chitnis Park, Hansapuri, and Mahal.
Large mobs reportedly resorted to stone-pelting, leaving several people injured, including senior police officials such as Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam. Civilians were also hurt, while widespread damage to property was reported. More than 60 vehicles were vandalized and set on fire during the violence.
Khan is also named as an accused in the case related to Irfan Ansari’s death. However, at the time, no immediate action had been taken by the then Police Inspector of Tehsil Police Station.
A subsequent probe led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madane revealed that Khan had remained at large despite being a key accused. Acting on fresh findings, Tehsil Police, under the supervision of Police Inspector Sanjay Mendhe, apprehended Khan again on Thursday night.
Further investigation into the case is ongoing, with police examining the sequence of events and the role of other accused in the riots.
