NAGPUR: Fahim Khan, the president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), has become a central figure in the probe into the recent violence in Nagpur, with authorities accusing him of playing a key role in instigating the Mahal riots on Monday.
His arrest by the Ganeshpeth police has sparked intense debate, as officials identify him as one of the main instigators behind the mob violence that shook central Nagpur.
Who is Fahim Khan?
Fahim Khan, a resident of Yashodhara Nagar, has long been active in political and community affairs, often advocating for minority rights. As the head of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), he has positioned himself as a voice for minority groups. However, his alleged involvement in the recent unrest has put his political career under serious scrutiny.
Before the violence erupted, Khan had led a protest march to the Ganeshpeth Police Station, demanding action against Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members who had allegedly burned a ‘holy chadar’ and an effigy of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue at Gandhi Gate in Mahal. What began as a demonstration soon spiraled into chaos, resulting in large-scale riots.
Legal troubles
Beyond the riots, Khan is also facing legal challenges on another front. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) recently issued a notice regarding unauthorized construction at his residence in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar. The house, registered in his wife’s name, was found to have multiple structural violations and lacked necessary approvals.
After failing to comply with civic authorities’ directives, portions of his house were demolished on Monday.
According to the NMC, a notice was sent to Khan on March 21, stating that the 86.48 sqm house, registered under the name of his wife, Zahirunnisa, was illegal. Officials had inspected the property on March 20 and found it in violation of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. Since no building plan had been approved, the structure was deemed unauthorized. Despite previous complaints from local residents about the encroachment, authorities had not taken action until now.
The arrest and charges
Though Khan was not initially named in the FIR, police arrested him on charges of inciting a mob, which later turned violent—attacking officers, vandalizing property, and causing large-scale unrest. A senior police official described him as “an instigator, if not the mastermind,” stating that his actions contributed to the rapid escalation of violence.
Adding to the controversy, Khan had recorded a video outside the Ganeshpeth Police Station, where he criticized law enforcement and the minority commission. This video, which went viral on social media, allegedly played a role in mobilizing further protests that led to violence.
The Mahal riots
The violence that erupted in Mahal and nearby areas caused widespread destruction. Angry mobs set vehicles on fire, pelted stones, and clashed with police officers, leaving at least 70 people injured—including 34 police personnel. Two civilians remain in critical condition. Rioters torched more than 40 vehicles, vandalized police vans, and threw petrol bombs, forcing authorities to impose curfews in sensitive areas.
In response, police have booked over 1,200 individuals under multiple FIRs, including members of right-wing groups and those accused of participating in the riots. Given the security implications ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Nagpur, the Union Home Ministry has requested a detailed report on the incident.
Current status and investigation
Following his arrest, Khan and 26 others have been remanded to police custody until March 21 for further interrogation. Law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and intelligence agencies, are now investigating the role of social media misinformation in fueling the violence.
With heightened security, curfew measures in place, and an ongoing probe into the incident, Fahim Khan’s arrest has become a significant turning point in the Nagpur riots case. His political future and legal standing remain uncertain as authorities continue their investigation into his alleged involvement in the unrest.
