Nagpur Violence: Key Accused & Minorities Democratic Party Chief Fahim Khan Granted Conditional Bail

Nagpur: Fahim Shamim Khan (38), president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP) and a prime accused in the March 17 Mahal violence case in Nagpur, was granted conditional bail by the district and sessions court. The decision was delivered on Friday by District Judge Ajay Kulkarni, who laid down a set of strict conditions for Khan’s release.

According to Khan’s lawyer, Advocate Ashwin Ingole, the court directed Khan to report to the Ganeshpeth police station twice a month and fully cooperate with the investigation and legal proceedings. He must also furnish a surety bond of Rs 1 lakh. According to an Indian Express report, the court’s bail order was based on the principle of parity, since over 68 other accused in the same case had already been granted bail under similar conditions earlier this month.

Khan Arrested, Booked Under Several Serious Charges

Khan had been arrested and booked by the Ganeshpeth police under multiple serious charges. These included provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and other laws pertaining to unlawful assembly, incitement, and use of violence.

District government pleader Nitin Telgote confirmed that bail was allowed due to consistency with earlier bail orders in the case. However, he added that the date for the commencement of the trial remains uncertain.

The incident traces back to March 17, when tensions flared in the Mahal area of Nagpur after members of right-wing groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly burned an effigy of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. In response, Fahim Khan and several others staged a protest outside the Ganeshpeth police station demanding action against the groups involved.

Who Is Fahim Khan? All About Minorities Democratic Party Leader & 2024 Lok Sabha Candidate Named Mastermind Behind Nagpur Violence

Khan's Role In Nagpur Violence

The protest escalated into violence later that day. According to the prosecution, Khan allegedly incited a crowd of over 500 people by delivering provocative speeches and sharing inflammatory messages via WhatsApp. The mob reportedly attacked police personnel, vandalised public property and vehicles, and injured several officers, including women personnel.

Fahim Khan's Election Affidavit

लोकसभा-2024 के चुनाव में *माइनाॅरिटीज़ डेमोक्रेटिक पार्टी*, (एमडीपी) के शेर दिल उम्मीदवार अरशद वारसी अंसारी (वास्ती), फहीम खान और हसन इनामदार को वोट देने वाले मुजाहिदीनों का तहेदिल से शुक्रिया।
जिन्होंने ज़ालिम हुक्मरानों से डरकर और बिककर अपने *ज़मीर* ओर *वकार* का सौदा नहीं किया। pic.twitter.com/LSI047UsMq

— Minorities Democratic Party (@MDPforIndia) June 5, 2024

Fahim Khan Contested 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Against Nitin Gadkari

Fahim Khan had also contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Nagpur against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari but managed to secure only around 1,000 votes. His release now adds a new layer to the ongoing legal and political developments surrounding the Mahal violence case.