Hyderabad: Additional police forces rushed to Purana Pul and nearby Old City localities early Thursday after protests over the alleged desecration of a religious place turned violent. Police said protesters clashed with personnel and pelted stones, forcing immediate action to restore order.
Police said tensions in Purana Pul rose around 1 a.m. after rumours circulated about damage to a photograph inside a religious place. Groups gathered on roads, raised slogans, and hurled stones at police teams on duty.
As stone-pelting intensified, police used a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. During the unrest, miscreants torched a motorcycle, which further escalated tension in Purana Pul andthe surrounding areas.
Purana Pul tensions flare after midnight rumours
When police advanced, the crowd broke up and fled into nearby lanes and bylanes. However, some groups continued slogan-shouting for a brief period, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance.
Senior officers reached the spot, and the department deployed additional contingents. The incident took place within the limits of Kamatipura police station under the Charminar police division.
Police later said the situation in Purana Pul remained under control. They said teams in full riot gear stepped up patrolling to prevent further unrest.