HYDERABAD: Tension gripped Secunderabad after a bandh call by VHP and Bajrang Dal Saturday to protest the desecration of an idol of a deity in Muthyalamma temple at Kummariguda took a violent turn.
Protesters resorted to stone pelting, prompting cops to respond with lathi-charge when the mob attempted to march towards a place of worship in the vicinity.
Several protesters, as well as police personnel, suffered injuries in the scuffle that continued for over 30 minutes.Additional forces were deployed, and cops cordoned off the area to prevent the build-up of further crowds.
On Oct 14, a man barged into the sanctum-sanctorum of Sri Muthyalamma temple and vandalised the main idol. Locals caught and thrashed him before handing him over to cops. Two days later, police identified the accused as Salman Salim Thakur alias Salman (30) from Maharashtra. He came to Hyderabad earlier this month to attend a month-long personality development workshop.
Speaking to TOI, IG (multizone 1) S Chandrasekhar Reddy said, “We are closely monitoring the situation and have urged protesters to refrain from any acts of violence. Police will take strict action against those indulging in stone pelting or other unlawful activities. We are arresting those breaking the law.”
The main business areas of Monda Market, General Bazar, Regimental Bazar, and Patny in Secunderabad wore a deserted look as shops remained closed in response to the bandh call. The protest caused severa traffic congestion on the arterial Tank Bank and other important stretches connecting Hyderabad with Secunderabad.