Telangana police explain what led to Bhainsa communal violence

According to the inspector general of police (IGP), north zone, Y. Nagi Reddy, the Bhainsa communal violence occurred on 7 March at around 8:45 p.m following an altercation between two youths at Zulfikar lane. The two youths, who belong to different communities, were quarreling about a motorcycle accident. Within no time supporters of both the communities gathered and started pelting stones at one another. This was followed by incidents of arson, the inspector said.

After receiving information about the incident, the Bhainsa deputy superintendent of police and the inspector of police of Bhainsa town rushed to the spot with TSSP platoon and special parties and dispersed the gathering.

Inspector general Nagi Reddy said additional forces led by district SP Vishnu Warrier rushed to Bhainsa and the situation was brought under control by 10.30 p.m. No further incidents were reported thereafter and pickets were posted in the sensitive areas and intensive patrolling organized in the localities of Bhainsa, he said.

According to the IGP, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC were immediately promulgated in order to prevent gathering of persons and prevent further violence. He also said that during the stone pelting, six civilians and three police officers were injured while two houses, two auto-rickshaws, two four-wheelers, and five two-wheelers were set ablaze by miscreants.

He further said specific criminal cases have been registered and are being investigated. Several persons suspected of being involved in the stone pelting incident and arson were taken into custody and are being interrogated, the inspector said, adding the persons involved in the incident will be arrested following due process. CCTV footage and other aids are being used to identify and arrest the accused who are involved in these cases, he said.

Mr. Nagi Reddy said all offenders involved in Sunday's violence will be booked and strong actions taken against them. He requested the people not to believe in rumours and said action will be initiated against those spreading rumours.

"The police department is committed to maintaining peace in Bhainsa and will not tolerate any kind of mischief by any section of people. The department will maintain peace and public order in Bhainsa using stern measures as per law. At present, the situation is under control. The police will initiate measures and will not allow this kind of incidents in the future," said the IGP.

The superintendent of police, Vishnu Warrier, is in Bhainsa and is personally monitoring the situation, he added.