Hyderabad: A day after violent protests broke out following the arrest and subsequent release of suspended BJP Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh, the city police on Wednesday night shut all shops and establishments in the Old City. Owners of establishments have been told that the process to down shutters will begin from 7 pm for the next few days at least.
Late on Tuesday night, several protests were held against angry Muslim youth who demanded Raja Singh be arrested. The BJP MLA had made derogatory comments in a YouTube video on August 22 in retaliation to comedian Munawar Faruqui being allowed to hold a show at Shilpakala Vedika on August 20.
The Hyderabad police’s move in anticipation of protests taking an ugly turn in the Muslim-dominated areas after Raja Singh made controversial remarks against the Prophet Muhammad. Further, patrolling at petrol bunks in the Old City will take place. Fuel stations were also made to shut down on Tuesday as well.
Background of Singh’s remarks against the Prophet
Protests against Raja Singh continued since Tuesday night after he secured bail after getting arrested in two cases booked against him earlier.
As many as 31 protestors have been taken into preventive custody since the unrest began. Raja Singh, post his release has however been silent. Cases were registered against him with the Dabeerpura and Afzalgunj police stations.
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