Nagpur Riots: A Reality Check for The Quint

Another day, another propaganda piece from The Quint. Arati R Jerath’s article, “Nagpur Riots: The ‘Concern’ of RSS Post the Violence is Ironic”, is yet another attempt to push a tired narrative—blame the RSS, ignore the actual perpetrators, and spin a convenient story. But facts don’t bend for propaganda, so let’s set the record straight.

What Really Happened in Nagpur?

On March 17, 2025, Nagpur witnessed riots following protests by the VHP and Bajrang Dal against Aurangzeb’s tomb. The trigger? A rumor that a ‘chadar’ with Quranic verses had been burned—something the police later confirmed never happened. Still, a mob of about 1,000 people, identified as largely from a particular community, launched an organized attack in Mahal, Chitnis Park, and Hansapuri, targeting Hindu-owned shops and homes.

Over 60 vehicles were torched—36 cars, 22 two-wheelers, even a crane. CCTV cameras were deliberately destroyed before the rioters struck, proving this was a planned assault, not a spontaneous reaction. Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke called it exactly that—a “coordinated attack on Hindu properties.”

The Violence That Jerath Chooses to Ignore

While The Quint indulges in conspiracy theories, here’s what actually went down:
– A female constable was cornered, assaulted, and had her uniform nearly torn off.
– 33 police officers were injured, including three senior officials. One was attacked with an axe.
– Fahim Shamim Khan, a leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), was arrested on March 19 as the key conspirator. He was seen at multiple riot hotspots, delivering inflammatory speeches hours before the violence erupted.
– Nine FIRs have been registered, with over 650 people booked.

But instead of condemning the mob or holding them accountable, The Quint would rather talk about how the RSS’s concern over the violence is “ironic.” Because in their world, the actual perpetrators don’t matter—only the narrative does.

Movies Don’t Cause Riots—People Do

Jerath tries to pin the violence on Chhaava, a historical film, as if cinema has the power to turn people into rioting maniacs. If that were the case, India would be in flames every time a controversial film released. Padmaavat (2018) faced mass protests, yet no city burned. The Kashmir Files (2022) stirred up intense debates but no riots. If Chhaava was the real cause, why weren’t there riots across every city it was screened in?

The reality? The riots were not about a movie—they were a premeditated attack, instigated by misinformation and executed with precision. The victims were innocent business owners, residents, and even police officers. But instead of focusing on the real culprits, Jerath and The Quint chase fictional boogeymen.

The Bottom Line

Violence solves nothing. The RSS condemned the riots—because that’s what any responsible organization should do. But in Jerath’s world, even that is suspicious. Here’s the truth: If you’re looking for accountability, check the FIRs here, here and here & not RSS headquarters. And if Jodhaa Akbar didn’t trigger mass riots, neither did Chhaava. Facts matter—even if some prefer fiction.