Nagpur:Fahim Shamim Khan, a leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP),has been arrested, for his role in the communal riots that broke out in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Monday evening. The police have claimed that Khan is the prime accused in the case, in which nearly 33 police personnel, including DCP rank officers, were injured.Khan allegedly instigated a 500-strong mob by spreading false rumours regarding the burning of a copy of the Quran at a gathering of VHP and Bajrang Dal members, who were demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Sambhaji Nagar (earlier Aurangabad).The police had released a photograph of Khan’s on Wednesday morning. He was arrested a few hours later and produced in court. He has been remanded to police custody.Khan had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections from Nagpur on an MDP ticket. His affidavit reveals that he studied till Class-X and then turned to business. It also came to be known that Khan had three criminal cases pending against him at that time. He apparently got 1,073 votes in the elections.In its official Facebook page, the MDP claims it is a political party based on the ideology of securing the rights of minorities who are facing ‘ignorance’ in development since years. “We are committed for development and security of all minorities including Muslims, Sikh, Christians, Bodh (sic), Jains and Dalits,” the introduction states.Though it claims to be a liberal party, a post on ‘X’ after the election results, thanks the ‘Mujahideen’ for voting for its candidates. In Islam, Mujahideen are people who perform Jihad.Meanwhile,a shocking incident has come to light during the violence that rocked the city Monday night. While the police tried to contain the situation in wake of arson and vandalism, the unruly crowd in Bhaldarpura area tried to tear the uniform of a female police official and molest her.The Ganeshpeth police has registered a case against the mob. This misbehavior towards the female police officer is being condemned at all levels. According to police sources, strict action is being initiated against those involved in this case.The violent mob, which was setting vehicles on fire, damaging public properties, when confronted by the police personnel, attacked them in return and pelted stones at the cops.According to police sources, a female police official was cornered and molested by the rowdy crowd, however, soon fellow police personnel came to her rescue, taking her to safe location.“The unruly mob beat some of police personnel including four deputy commissioners of police. A mob cornered a female police officer and misbehaved by trying to tear her clothes. However, the lady officer could escape before the mob could further target her,” sources added.This incident has been included in the FIR registered by the Ganeshpeth police station.The police sources said that they have launched manhunt to detain those involved in the molestation of the lady officer.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Tuesday claimed that the violence was preplanned while the Deputy Chief minister Eknath Shinde termed it was premeditated. Fadnavis said some people deliberately carried out attacks because almost a trolley full of stones has been found. Weapons have also been seized in large quantities.Meanwhile, the minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam Wednesday said the government will not spare those who attacked the police personnel during violence.“The morale of the police should not be affected. This is our responsibility. Instructions have been given to take strict action against those who raise their hands against the police,”he added.To a question on videos of the Nagpur incident going viral, the minister said, ”I have only one request, nothing will be achieved by making such videos viral.”
