Maharashtra: ‘SIT can be formed to probe Aurangzeb’s sudden glorification’

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Vidhan Bhavan, in Nariman Point on July 20. Pic/Atul Kamble

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said if necessary, a dedicated SIT would be set up to probe whether the "sudden glorification" of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by some elements in the state was deliberate.

Speaking in the Assembly in response to a calling-attention notice by BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, Fadnavis who holds the home portfolio, said Aurangzeb can never be a role model for Indian Muslims.

"If there are heroes, they are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap and A P J Abdul Kalam. Why should there be glorification of Aurangzeb suddenly? Is it deliberate?" he asked.

"We will probe this and we are getting information from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Intelligence Bureau (IB). If necessary, we will set up a dedicated Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe this," he said.

Fadnavis said communal flare-ups were not good for the development and progress of Maharashtra.

Social media posts glorifying Aurangzeb put up by some individuals triggered tension and clashes in parts of Maharashtra, including Ahmednagar and Beed districts, a couple of months ago.

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