Tensions Erupt in Hyderabad After Vandalism at Religious Sites
Violence Erupts in Puranapul Area
In Hyderabad's Puranapul area, unrest broke out following acts of vandalism at a local temple and an attack on a nearby shrine. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night, resulted in injuries to ten individuals, including a police inspector and several constables, alongside damage to multiple vehicles.
The chaos began when unknown individuals damaged a flex banner at the temple, prompting a crowd to gather and chant slogans, escalating tensions in the area.
Subsequently, the mob targeted a shrine belonging to another community, vandalizing graves and destroying a religious flag.
During the unrest, a two-wheeler was set ablaze, and other vehicles were damaged, causing significant traffic disruptions at a busy intersection near the Musi River.
The situation intensified as the mob engaged in stone pelting, injuring police personnel and leading to clashes between opposing groups.
To regain control, law enforcement officials employed a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, with additional police units deployed to prevent further violence.
Senior police figures, including Additional Commissioner of Police Tafseer Iqubal and various Deputy Commissioners, quickly arrived at the scene.
Commissioner Iqubal informed the media that they received reports around 11:30 p.m. regarding the vandalism at the temple. Following the incident, a gathering formed near the site.
He confirmed that senior officials, including DCPs and the Joint Commissioner of Police for Traffic, responded promptly to disperse the crowd.
A case has been filed under relevant legal sections, and authorities are pursuing leads on those responsible for the unrest. The situation has since been stabilized.
In light of the events, police have increased patrols in Puranapul and surrounding areas, urging residents to refrain from spreading rumors.
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi visited the area on Thursday morning, calling for strict action against those involved in the vandalism and violence.
The BJP has accused individuals of desecrating the Goddess and Shivaji flags at Puranapul, claiming a systematic attack on Hindu temples in Telangana. A post from the Telangana BJP's official account on X stated that the Congress government is enabling extremist forces to operate freely in the state.
State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao criticized the Congress government for allowing temple desecration, citing previous incidents at other temples in Telangana. He emphasized that the BJP will remain steadfast in defending Hindu temples against such acts.