Nagpur police have re-arrested Faheem Khan, a key accused in the March 2025 communal riots case, along with two minors, officials said on Thursday.
The arrests were made by Tehsil police and have triggered reactions in the city. Khan, associated with the Minority Democratic Party (MDP) and a former city president, is being described by police as one of the main conspirators in the riots that took place in Nagpur.
A senior police officer confirmed the development and said that legal proceedings are underway. “Faheem Khan has been arrested in connection with the Irfan Ansari murder case, and further investigation is in progress. A charge sheet will be filed in court,” officials said.
Case Linked to March 2025 Nagpur Violence
The case is connected to violence that broke out in Nagpur’s Mahal area on March 17, 2025. During the riots, Irfan Ansari (33), a resident of Pravesh Nagar, was attacked while returning home. He was reportedly caught in stone pelting and was beaten with sticks by rioters. He later died during treatment at Mayo Hospital.
Police say CCTV footage and witness statements played a key role in identifying the accused. Officials also claim that Faheem Khan had a central role in organising the violence.
“The investigation revealed Faheem Khan’s involvement in planning and execution of the riots,” a police source said.
Police Action and Arrest History
Following the riots, police had arrested 51 people initially and later detained several others. In total, more than 100 people have been arrested in different phases of the investigation.
Faheem Khan was arrested earlier as well, but later released on bail in July 2025. He was questioned again after the statements of minors who were detained recently. Police said the minors provided information linking him to the murder case.
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A senior officer explained the sequence: “Based on statements of minors and other evidence, Faheem Khan was called for questioning. He was arrested when he appeared before the police.”
Charges and Investigation
Authorities have filed multiple FIRs related to the riots, including charges of murder, rioting, and other serious offences. Some cases also include allegations under sections related to sedition.
Deputy Commissioner Rahul Madne confirmed that a chargesheet will soon be presented in court. “The investigation is in its final stage. The accused will be produced before the court,” he said.
Police also said that seven teams are working on different aspects of the case, including tracking absconding accused.
Violence Impact and Earlier Clashes
The March 2025 riots in Nagpur’s Mahal area had caused widespread damage. Police personnel, including Deputy Commissioner Niketan Kadam, were injured in the violence. Vehicles were burnt, and several properties were damaged during the clashes.
Authorities also demolished Faheem Khan’s house earlier as part of action taken against alleged rioters.
Officials said tensions rose after a dispute linked to Aurangzeb’s tomb issue escalated into large-scale violence.
Security Tightened After Fresh Arrest
Following Faheem Khan’s re-arrest, security has been tightened in sensitive areas of Nagpur to prevent any fresh unrest. Police said they are monitoring the situation closely.
Faheem Khan is expected to be produced before the court on Friday, where police will seek his custody for further interrogation.
