Maharashtra, March 19 – Authorities in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district have designated the tomb of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in Khultabad a “no drone” zone, an official said on Wednesday, as tensions rise over demands for its removal. The move comes amid widespread protests across the state and a police crackdown on “objectionable” social media posts linked to the controversy.
Demonstrations calling for the demolition of the tomb, located 25 km from the district headquarters, have gained momentum in recent days, with political leaders amplifying the demand. A protest in Nagpur on Monday turned violent, prompting heightened security measures. The district administration has deployed a company of the State Reserve Police Force and 50 additional personnel to maintain order in Khultabad, the official added.
District Collector Dilip Swami, who inspected the Archaeological Survey of India-protected site on Tuesday, urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors. “No one should believe in rumors, and people should contact the administration or police if they have any information concerning the matter,” Swami told reporters.
Meanwhile, police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city have intensified efforts to curb online incendiary content. A dedicated team of ten officers is working around the clock to monitor social media platforms, Cyber Police Inspector Shivcharan Pandhare said, according to news agency PTI. “The hashtags #Alamgir and #Aurangzeb are trending. We are using these to identify provocative posts and offensive comments,” Pandhare said.
Authorities have already removed 506 posts from various platforms and issued warnings to over 80 individuals against posting inflammatory material. “From now on, we will register offenses against those responsible for objectionable posts,” Pandhare warned.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate over historical legacies in the region, with the tomb emerging as a flashpoint for public unrest. The administration’s latest measures signal a firm stance on maintaining law and order as the situation unfolds.
(With agency inputs)
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The Chenab Times News Desk
