‘No Drone Zone’: Nagpur Administration Increases Security Around Aurangzeb’s Tomb Amid Rising Tensions

The district administration has declared the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Khultabad a no-drone zone following increasing demands for its removal. Authorities have taken strict security measures to prevent any potential disturbances, an official confirmed on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

In addition to restricting drone activity, police are closely monitoring social media to track and remove any objectionable content related to the issue. Officials have already deleted over 500 such posts, aiming to prevent the spread of misinformation and incitement of violence.

Protests and Growing Demands for Removal

The call for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb has gained momentum across Maharashtra, with political leaders and protest groups actively participating. Demonstrations have taken place in multiple locations, including Nagpur, where protests escalated into violent clashes on Monday.

To maintain order, the district administration has deployed a State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) unit along with 50 additional police personnel in Khultabad. Officials are keeping a close watch on the situation to prevent further escalation.

Authorities Urge People to Avoid Rumors

On Tuesday, District Collector Dilip Swami visited the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected site and urged people not to fall for false information. “No one should believe in rumors, and people should contact the administration or the police if they have any information concerning the matter,” Swami told reporters.

He assured the public that the administration is actively working to maintain peace and order in the region.

Social Media Surveillance to Curb Misinformation

A dedicated team of ten police officers and cybercrime officials in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city is working around the clock to track down and remove provocative posts on social media platforms.

According to Cyber Police Inspector Shivcharan Pandhare, the police are closely monitoring trending hashtags, including #Alamgir and #Aurangzeb, which have been widely used in discussions related to the tomb.

“The hashtag (#) Alamgir and Aurangzeb are trending. We are using these hashtags to check such posts and the offensive comments tied to them,” Pandhare stated.

So far, 506 posts have been taken down from various platforms. Additionally, over 80 individuals have been issued warnings to refrain from posting inflammatory content.

Legal Action Against Online Offenders

Authorities have now decided to take stricter action against those spreading provocative or misleading information. Inspector Pandhare confirmed that police will begin registering legal cases against individuals responsible for objectionable posts. “But from now onwards, we will register offences against those behind objectionable posts,” he warned.

With rising tensions and calls for the removal of the historic tomb, the administration continues to urge citizens to stay calm and avoid spreading misinformation. Security forces remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents in the region.