Nagpur, India: The Crime Branch (CB) has started investigating the attack on Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone V, Niketan Kadam, and the molestation of a female police officer during the Mahal riots on March 17.

These cases were registered at Ganeshpeth Police Station. So far, 13 cases have been filed in different police stations across the city. Another sedition case has been registered at the Cyber Police Station regarding an incident in Kamptee.  

Victims of arson during the riots are finding it difficult to get insurance money because they don’t have valid documents. To help them, the police are planning to file individual FIRs.

On Friday, 40 people were presented before the court for their involvement in the violence. A sedition case has also been registered against Fahim Khan Shamim Khan, president of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), and six others. They are accused of encouraging violence during the Mahal riots and spreading hateful messages on social media.

On Thursday night, Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal lifted the curfew in Nandanvan and Kapilnagar. However, curfew is still in place in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Imamwada, and Yashodharanagar. 

The rural police have filed cases against five people for posting hate messages on social media that could spread communal tension. The cyber cell is keeping a close watch on such activities. Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar said strict action will be taken against anyone spreading hate online. 

Heavy police security was deployed in the Tehsil area due to Friday prayers. The situation remained calm. A group of Muslim traders met with Commissioner Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal and requested the curfew be lifted, citing business losses.