Communal clashes in Hyderabad, curfew imposed

Curfew has been imposed in some parts of Hyderabad after communal clashes broke out on Sunday.

Trouble began following reports that a religious place was desecrated in Saidabad area in the morning.

A group attacked some houses belonging to a particular community. The miscreants also tried to set ablaze some houses, buses and shops. At least 12 people were injured in the clashes.

Presently, Section 144 is being imposed in Madannapet and Saidabad for an indefinite period.

According to sources, a group noticed pieces of meat thrown in the premises of a religious place and took to streets immediately in preparation of carrying out attacks on the religious places of another group.

Both the groups started pelting stones at each other and were on the brink of clashing with weapons when the city police rushed forces to disperse the crowds.

"Situation is under control now and there are no indications of the clashes spreading. However, we continue to be on alert and the security too is being beefed up as part of our preventive efforts," DNA quoted a senior police official saying.

Rapid Action Force, CRPF and other forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.

Besides Madannapet and Saidabad, clashes were also reported in other pockets of the Old City, including Lal Darwaja, Haribouli, Shalibanda, Sultanshahi and Mogulpura.

The Director General of Police, V Dinesh Reddy accompanied by the Director General (Law and Order), S A Huda and Intelligence chief Mahender Reddy have visited the affected areas and taken stock of the situation.

"There have been no deaths. The situation is now peaceful and we are now picking up offenders," said the Director General of Police.

The Hyderabad police have arrested some 60 suspects following the stone pelting and fighting amongst groups.

City Police Commissioner A K Khan told reporters that miscreants were deliberately trying to create trouble in the city.

Reports said in the last few months there were three major religious rallies in the city which widened the communal divide.