NAGPUR: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has taken a firm stance on the recent violence in Nagpur, stating that the government will recover the cost of property damage caused during the clashes from the rioters.  

Addressing the media, Fadnavis emphasized that the government would ensure those responsible for the unrest bear the financial burden. "My government will not rest until those responsible for attacking the police are found and dealt with sternly," said Fadnavis, who also heads the Home Ministry and added,"The bulldozer will roll if necessary." 

The violence, which erupted on March 17, was reportedly triggered by rumors of the desecration of a religious artifact during a protest by right-wing groups demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad. The clashes led to widespread arson, stone-pelting, and injuries to over 30 police personnel, including senior officers.  

He added that compensation distribution for victims would begin soon and confirmed that 68 social media posts that aggravated the situation had been identified and deleted.  

Fadnavis clarified that while the incident could not be termed an 'intelligence failure' there was room for improvement in intelligence gathering. He assured the public that the situation in Nagpur is now under control, with efforts underway to relax the curfew in affected areas.  

The Chief Minister stated that 104 individuals have been identified through CCTV footage and video recordings, with action initiated against 92 people, including 12 minors. He also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Nagpur on March 30 would proceed as planned.  

Reiterating the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward violence, Fadnavis warned that those spreading misinformation online would face strict consequences.