Hyderabad: Tension prevailed in Secunderabad after police denied permission for the BRS peace rally called by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi demanding protection of the area’s historical heritage.
The party also demanded that Secunderabad be declared a separate municipal corporation. Police stopped party leaders and workers at several locations. They also made arrests, which triggered tension across the Secunderabad area.
Police cited law and order concerns while denying permission for the BRS peace rally. The party announced the protest under the slogan of safeguarding Secunderabad’s identity and self-respect.
BRS peace rally halted amid heavy police deployment
The BRS peace rally was scheduled to begin at 10 am from Secunderabad Railway Station. It was to pass through Clock Tower, Patny and Paradise Circle. The rally was to end at the Gandhi statue on MG Road. However, police prevented the procession from taking place.
Police deployed heavy security at the railway station and Patny Centre from early morning. Officers stopped BRS workers wearing black badges. They took several leaders and activists into custody to prevent them from gathering.
Police teams also entered nearby hotels to detain party workers. At the Alpha Hotel near the railway station, officers moved activists into police vans. They later shifted them to different police stations across the city. This led to heated arguments between police personnel and BRS workers.
BRS leaders accused the government of suppressing the democratic right to protest. They alleged that authorities deliberately blocked the BRS peace rally linked to Secunderabad’s heritage. Meanwhile, police intensified vehicle checks on all roads leading into Secunderabad. Officers stopped vehicles and questioned commuters.
Sources said police shifted those detained during the BRS peace rally to various police stations. Security remained tight as tension continued in the area.