Violence erupts over Aurangzeb’s grave dispute, police fire tear gas

New Delhi: Tension gripped the city as violence erupted between two communities over a dispute related to Aurangzeb’s grave. Clashes intensified when protesters hurled stones at police following rumors of the burning of the Quran, prompting security forces to fire tear gas. Four people were injured in the incident.

Police resorted to tear gas shelling and lathicharge to disperse the crowd in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas. Officials said the worst violence was reported on Shukravari Talao Road, where protesters set several vehicles on fire.

The unrest began when Bajrang Dal members staged a protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mahal area. Police said rumors spread that the Quran had been burned during the agitation, triggering outrage. Videos of the protest circulated on social media, sparking demonstrations by the Muslim community.

Protesters later filed a complaint at Ganeshpath police station, alleging the Quran was desecrated. Large gatherings were reported in Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpath, and Chitnis Park as protests intensified.