Remarks against Prophet Muhammad: Tension grips Old City after police use force in Shalibanda

Hyderabad: Tension has gripped the old city after police used force to disperse ant-Raja Singh protestors at the Shalibanda area. Initially, around 70 people from MIM and Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) had gathered at Shalibanda demanding the rearrest of Raja Singh.

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

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

"A few people had gone to visit their relatives' home. They too were dragged out of their homes. Police knocked on their doors, but people locked themselves up due to fear. However, police broke open the doors and took them away," said a source.

Protestors said that they wanted to stage a peaceful march but the police used force.

Around 127 people were taken into custody from the Shalibanda area. Later, at around 2:30 am, MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi sent corporators to get them released.

Hyderabad City Police Commissioner CV Anand visited the area on Thursday morning to take stock of the situation.

Boiling with anger

Raja Singh's derogatory comments have hurt the sentiments of the people. People burnt the effigies of suspended 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.

Photo credits: Amrutha Kosuru

"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 had failed to push back protestors. Instead of decreasing, the protestors are increasing, he said.

Business hit

On Wednesday, all the commercial establishments in the city were asked to shut down post 8 pm. According to sources, police started to close down shops from 7 pm. This has affected the 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. They fear that it would deter shoppers from coming to this area.

According to sources, the protests will continue on Thursday if Raja Singh is not rearrested. Police and RAF teams have been deployed in the old city and other sensitive areas to maintain order.

Joint Action Committee of Tehreek Muslim Shaban has called for a protest rally from Mecca Masjid to Darulshifa playground at 2 pm on August 26 against MLA Raja Singh and Nupur Sharma.

This article has been co-authored by Nimisha S Pradeep and Kaniza Garari