Hyderabad: A bandh was being observed in Banswada town of Telangana’s Kamareddy district on Saturday, February 21, after communal tensions flared up over the playing of a devotional song at a local store a day earlier.
According to Kamareddy Superintendent of Police (SP), Rajesh Chandra, a dispute began when a Muslim man named Muzzamil allegedly objected to a saleswoman playing a devotional song at a shopping establishment on Friday, February 20.
The argument quickly escalated, leading to clashes between Muslims and Hindus. Both groups reportedly pelted stones at each other, resulting in injuries to several individuals.
Police personnel who rushed to the spot also came under attack, and one officer sustained injuries in the stone-pelting. In an attempt to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control, the police resorted to a lathi charge.
Despite the initial dispersal, tensions remained high as a large number of people gathered outside the local police station later in the evening and staged a protest. “A mob consisting people from both sides gathered in front of the police station. Some of them began pelting stones,” the SP said.
The unrest led to vandalism in parts of the town, with several small shops reportedly damaged by miscreants.
Speaking to Siasat.com, Kamareddy SP said, “We arrested 10-12 people, including Muzzamil, following the incident. A constable was severely injured in the stone pelting and he is out of danger now.”
Addressing the media earlier, Chandra said that Muzammil was booked for harassing the saleswoman. The SP warned of strict action against those who try to create disturbance in Banswada and assured the general public that they will not face problems due to the incident. He said that those who try to close establishments forcefully will be punished severely.
Right-wing groups call for bandh
In response to the incident, right-wing organisations called for a bandh in Banswada on Saturday. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed in many parts of the town.
The Kamareddy Superintendent of Police, along with other senior officials, visited the area and reviewed the law and order situation. Additional police forces from neighbouring districts were deployed to prevent any further escalation.
Police said the situation is now under control, and efforts are underway to maintain peace in the town.
Asaduddin Owaisi reacts to communal clash
Reacting to the clash, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, “The increasing number of communal incidents in Telangana is very concerning,”
The MP expressed concern over the clashes and said, “How is it possible that such a large crowd was mobilised within a few hours?”
“Enough videos are showing the right-wing crowd’s criminal activities. They specifically targeted small shops and street vendors belonging to the minority community. One of the accused, who was in police custody at the time, is being beaten up by local Sangh Parivar goons,” Owaisi said in a post on X.
