Communal clash leads to curfew in Telangana’s Bhainsa town

Naveen S Garewal

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Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, May 11

Communal clashes broke out in Bhainsa town of Nirmal district in Telangana forcing the authorities to impose curfew in the area. The incident happened after a person in an inebriated state entered a place of worship and attacked five people offering prayers.

According to the police, following the incident in the Shivajinagar area, two groups hurled stones at each other. Few people were injured in the stone pelting while three houses and two vehicles were damaged. Bhaunsa is a major trading centre.

Keeping the COVID-19 situation in mind and to avoid people coming together, the police immediately imposed a 24-hour curfew and intensified patrolling across the town to prevent further clashes. About 15 people were detained in connection with the clash.

Superintendent of Police C Shashidhar Raju said the situation was now under control. “We have deployed more forces and closely monitoring the situation,” he said.

Telangana Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, meanwhile, termed the incident as “minor” and said his government was looking into the “stone pelting” between two sections of people.

The minister said he had spoken to the SP over phone and instructed him to take all effective steps.

Mahmood Ali said that immediate action had been taken by the police and normalcy was ensured in the area.

“Situation is under complete control,” said Mahmood Ali.

He also urged people not to believe or spread rumours.

The minister said, “People of Telangana always maintained brotherhood and strongly believe in Ganga-Jamuna tehzib.”

Karimnagar range in-charge DIG P Pramod Kumar also visited the town on Monday and reviewed the situation. This is the second communal clash in the town this year.

In January, violence here had left many people injured and houses, shops and vehicles were damaged.

Nine people were killed in 2008 after riots broke out during a religious procession. Six of the victims belonged to one family who were burnt alive in the Vatoli village near the town.