Section 144 imposed in Nizamabad following clash over Shivaji statue

Hyderabad: Section 144 has been imposed in Bodhan, Nizamabad, in view of the ongoing clash between two communities over the inauguration of the Chatrapathi Shivaji statue.

The statue was installed overnight by the BJP, Shiv Sena Party which led to a feud between two communities, Bodhan CI said.

Nizamabad commissioner of police (CP) Nagaraj said tear gas was used on the public as they resorted to stone-pelting. The groups allegedly blocked the railway tracks nearby and started throwing stones.

"Since Section 144 is in place, we will take action against anyone who forms public gatherings," he said. "We have given the communities an hour to disperse and go home but some of them are still around, raising slogans," he said adding that action will be taken against them.

In addition to the police force in the Nizamabad district, police from nearby districts are also trying to stop the feud. As many as 50 officers have come from Nirmal and Khamareddy districts.

"So far there are no casualties. No rubber bullets are being used on the public," the CP said.

Speaking to the media, the CP said they had talked to the people who erected the statue. "There is a procedure for everything. The leaders were asked to take permission from Municipal authorities but they didn't take it. Even the collector had asked them to follow the due process but they went ahead and installed the statue overnight," he said. He added that when they told the leaders about the legal procedure, they said that they wouldn't follow them.

"All roads to and from Bodhan have been closed. If anyone attempts to come in, they will be arrested," he said. "We have enough force. We will soon have the situation under control," the CP added.