Nagpur Riots: Woman Constable Molested, Cops Attacked

Nagpur, one of the major cities in the state of Maharashtra, India was hit by a violent protest leading to assault on cops, vandalism and injuries to several people on 17 March 2025. From there it spiraled into riots throughout the city and violent confrontations between groups. One of the most shocking incidents was the molestation of woman constable by rioters. This story provides an overview of the events, what happened next, and what law enforcement did.

How the Violence Started

The trouble started in the late afternoon when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal held a protest in front of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the city. They demanded the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. They burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their demonstration. This action resulted in tensions in the region, and responses from other groups.

A group led by the city president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP) marched to the local police station in protest. They wanted to file a written complaint about the protest. But that changed dramatically later in the night. Closer to a main slot, a larger crowd — about 500 to 600 people — crowd barricades. While police officers, including senior officials, tried to manage the crowd, the situation turned chaotic. With the questionable aim of instilling fear and shattering the peace that had once prevailed, some members of the mob brought sticks, stones and petrol bombs.

Attack on Police and Public Property

The crowd became violent as tensions rose and began attacking law enforcement. Many police personnel, including top officials, were hurt in stone-pelting incidents. One Riot Control Police (RCP) woman constable was also made a target of the mob. She was cornered by a group of rioters, with some trying to rip her uniform and others making obscene gestures, according to reports. With the assistance of her fellow officers, she was able to escape, but the harrowing experience has sparked fears for female officers when riots flare.

Along with their assaults on the police, the rioters also burned vehicles, vandalized public property, and tried to create havoc in the city. At least 40 cars were damaged, including police vans and firefighting trucks. Riot police had to fire tear gas and baton-charge the crowd. As they tried to stem the violence, it persisted for hours.

Arrests and Legal Actions

Following the riots, the police quickly moved, detaining 51 people associated with the violence. A case was registered under the first information report (FIR) naming 51 accused, while around 500 to 600 people were unidentifed. The arrests were made under different laws, which include damage of public property, rioting, assaulting of police and attempt to murder.

Amongst those arrested in this process was Fahim Khan, who is the city president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP). He had played a key role in inciting the violence, authorities alleged. He was observed at various locations where rioters were in the ongoing process of damaging property. Police collected video footage and witness statements to corroborate their allegations. He was immediately placed in police custody for interrogation upon arrest.

Impact on the Community

Nagpur witnessed the gruesome riots that were carried out, and its impact was felt by residents especially from the old city. Stores had to close, routine life was disrupted and people were afraid to leave their homes. The violence left at least ten anti-riot commandos, three senior police officials, two firemen and several civilians injured. The city administration declared a curfew in the affected areas and prohibited large gatherings to avert more violence.

Different groups expressed their views on the riots. VHP and Bajrang Dal members protested, seeking strict legal action against the accused. They pushed for a boycott of businesses belonging to people they believed took part in the riots. Meanwhile, community leaders called for peace and dialogue to avert more bloodshed.

Government and Police Response

Maharashtra state government strongly condemned the violence against police personnel and assured firm action against the rioters. Saying that attempts to demoralise the police force would not be tolerated, the Minister of State for Home Affairs said things would be done so that people behind attacking officers were punished.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the violence was "pre-planned" as sufficient stone and weapons were found indicating that adequate preparations had been made in advance. The riots were both planned and well-coordinated, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also stressed. The state administration promised people about the restoration of law and order and deployment of more forces in sensitive places.

Ongoing Investigations and Future Measures

Meanwhile, police said they are trying to identify all those involved in the riots, particularly those who assaulted police officers and molested woman constable. A special team has been formed to find the main culprits.

Officials are also bolstering security in sensitive areas of the city. Almost 2,000 of them, including Quick Response Teams (QRT) and extra Riot Control Police (RCP) officers, have been deployed in high-risk areas to avert any more violence.

Discussions are ongoing about how the police can better manage the crowds during these types of protests, so they do not turn into riots. Those include improving coordination among law enforcement agencies, taking stricter action against people who incite violence and deploying technology like surveillance cameras to better observe meetings.

Conclusion

The Nagpur riots reminds us of how easily tensions can spiral out of control and harm innocent citizens and law enforcement officials in the process. The molestation of a woman constable amid chaos underscores an urgent need to protect police personnel, particularly female personnel, at riotous situations.

Although the authorities have reacted harshly to bring back peace and to punish the culprits, communities should find means to engage in peaceful discussions and the rule of law rather than dishing out their grievances through violence. So, measures like strengthening police, awareness program on communal harmony, and speedy judicial action against offenders would deter such incidents in future.