Thirty-six injured in Hyderabad communal clash

HYDERABAD - At least 36 people were reportedly injured in a clash that took place between two communities in Hyderabad.

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the state police were deployed in Moosa Bowli, Hussaini Alam, Purana Pul, Begum Bazar, and nearby areas to restore peace following incidents of stone-pelting and assault on religious places, houses, shops and vehicles.

Several vehicles were either set ablaze or damaged by the rioters.olice Commissioner A K Khan said a number of people have been taken into custody for interrogation.

“Quite a few suspects have been taken into custody earlier, few trouble makers for their involvement in the cases and few on suspicion. They are under interrogation now,” said Khan.

“We will have to see whether there was any design or a plan behind all this or otherwise. About 35-36 people are reported to be injured,” added Khan.

Panic has spread among the Hyderabad residents, who did not venture out of their homes.

“People are worried. It is become difficult for us to come out of our homes. There is fear and panic among people. People are facing problems walking around the city,” said Waseem, a local resident.

Prohibitory orders were clamped in 18 police stations of south zone and four police stations of Goshamahal division of west zone of the city.

Strife started in Moosa Bowli area when the majority community reportedly removed green flags installed by members of the other community and installed saffron ones, instead, during a recent festival.

The heated exchanges snowballed into clashes between the two groups.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that additional forces, including nearly 1000 paramilitary personnel were being deployed to restore peace in the trouble-hit areas. (ANI)