What Caused Tension in Hyderabad’s Puranapul Area?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Hyderabad, Jan 15 (NationPress) Calm has been restored in the Puranapul area of Hyderabad after a wave of tension erupted due to vandalism at a place of worship, followed by an assault on a nearby shrine. On Wednesday night, ten individuals, including an inspector and several constables, sustained injuries from stone pelting, while multiple vehicles were also damaged.
The unrest began when unknown individuals damaged a flexi banner at the Puranapul temple. This incident incited a crowd that began chanting slogans, escalating the situation.
The mob proceeded to attack another community’s shrine, vandalizing graves and damaging a religious flag.
Furthermore, a two-wheeler was set ablaze, and additional vehicles were damaged, leading to traffic disruption at the bustling intersection by the Musi River.
The situation worsened as the mob engaged in stone pelting, injuring police personnel and resulting in clashes between two groups.
To regain control, police enforced a lathi charge, dispersing the crowd, while reinforcements were deployed to prevent further violence.
Senior police officials, including Additional Commissioner of Police Tafseer Iqubal and Deputy Commissioners from Charminar, Golconda, and Rajendra Nagar, swiftly arrived at the scene.
Commissioner Iqubal informed the media that they received reports around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday about anti-social elements attempting to tear a flexi banner at the temple. This led to a gathering near the site.
He added that senior officials, including DCPs and the Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, were dispatched to the area to manage the situation.
“A case has been filed under the relevant sections of the law. We have obtained some leads regarding those involved, and our police are actively pursuing them,” he stated, assuring that the situation was now under control.
Commissioner Iqubal mentioned that action would be taken against the offenders.
In response to the unrest, police have intensified patrolling in Puranapul and surrounding neighborhoods, urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumors.
On Thursday morning, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi visited Puranapul and called for strict measures against those responsible for the vandalism and violence.
The BJP has claimed that the deity of the Goddess and the Shivaji flag were desecrated at Puranapul. “A systematic desecration of Hindu temples is ongoing in Telangana. The Congress government is permitting these extremist elements to operate unchecked to preserve its vote bank,” stated a post from the Telangana BJP’s official handle on X.
State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao accused the Congress government of failing to protect temples, citing previous incidents of desecration at other temples in the region. “While the pseudo-secularists remain silent, the BJP will stand firm to protect our temples,” he remarked on X.