The violence in Mahal had reportedly erupted after members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly burnt an effigy of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. (Express FIle Photo)Fahim Shamim Khan (38), president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP) and one of the key accused in the March 17 Mahal violence in Nagpur, has been granted conditional bail by the district and sessions court. His lawyer Ashwin Ingole confirmed it.District Judge Ajay Kulkarni, while granting him bail on Friday, imposed strict conditions. Khan has been directed to report to the Ganeshpeth police station twice a month, cooperate with the ongoing investigation and court proceedings, and furnish a surety bond of Rs 1 lakh.Khan had been booked by Ganeshpeth police under a wide range of serious charges, including multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), the Explosive Substances Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act, and others related to incitement and unlawful assembly.Advocate Nitin Telgote, the district government pleader, said Khan was granted bail on the grounds of parity, as over 68 other accused in the same case were given bail earlier this month under similar terms. However, he added that it remains uncertain when the trial will begin.The violence in Mahal had reportedly erupted after members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly burnt an effigy of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. In protest, Fahim Khan and dozens of others had gathered outside the Ganeshpeth police station demanding action against the right-wing groups.Later that day, according to the prosecution, Khan allegedly incited a mob of over 500 people through provocative speeches and messages shared via a WhatsApp group. The crowd allegedly attacked police personnel, vandalised vehicles and public property. Several officers were injured, and there were also reports of woman officers being manhandled.Khan had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against Union minister Nitin Gadkari and had secured 1,000 votes.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:NagpurVishwa Hindu Parishad