Peace returns to Old City after 2 days of protests against Raja Singh

Hyderabad: The Old City of Hyderabad largely remained peaceful on 26 August.

The situation in the Old City was tense the last few days after BJP MLA Raja Singh, on 21 August, released a video making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The police and Rapid Action Force were deployed in several parts of the Old City.

On Thursday, peace returned to the city after the police arrested the MLA under the PD Act. Currently, he is lodged in Cherlapally jail.

Earlier, Raja Singh was arrested on Tuesday and then released on bail the same day. This caused further unrest in the city.

Picture Credits: Mahesh Vishwanadha

Protests that rocked Old City

Tension gripped the Old City after police used force to disperse anti-Raja Singh protestors at the Shalibanda area on Wednesday night. Initially, around 70 people from MIM and Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) had gathered at Shalibanda demanding the rearrest of Raja Singh.

The police immediately swung into action and took them into custody. Things took an ugly turn when 500 youths from nearby localities reached Shalibanda and staged a protest.

The police used force to quell the mob. According to sources, two of the protestors received fractures.

Boiling with anger

Raja Singh's derogatory comments have hurt the sentiments of the people. People burnt the effigies of the BJP leader in some areas. Posters of Raja Singh garlanded with footwear also popped up in different parts of the city. People were also seen spitting on these posters.

"In my 18-19 years of covering the Old City, I have never seen a such spontaneous gathering without any religious or political involvement," said a journalist from the Old City.

He said the police lathi charge failed to push back protestors. Instead of decreasing, the protestors are increasing, he said.

Business hit

On Wednesday, all commercial establishments in the city were asked to shut down after 8 p.m. According to sources, the police started to close down shops from 7 p.m. This affected businessmen who were gearing up for Ganesh Chaturthi and the festival season ahead. The businessmen are now worried that the police bandobast and the traffic diversions will deter shoppers from coming to the area.

Picture Credits: Mahesh Vishwanadha