Trouble started in Sangareddy when a group went to the town police station on Thursday night to lodge a complaint against a person who posted a picture of a holy place with a picture of a god of another community morphed on it. Sources said that the police delayed in registering a case and failed to mobilise forces quickly.
Sangareddy inspector Chandrasekhar said, “A group came complaining about an FB post. While we were convincing them about registering a case, they started agitating. Around 200 people staged a dharna. While returning from the police station, the group tore off festival banners of the other community. This inflamed members of that community and they started pelting stones.
“We tried our best to stop them. Our men, including an SI and a DSP, were also injured.” “We don’t have an exact figure regarding those injured,” he added.
The inspector also said that his team had done its best to stop the violence.
Initially Section 144 was imposed but the tensions continued. District collector Suresh Kumar imposed the curfew at around 11.30 am on Friday.
IG Rajeev Ratan and DIG Sanjay Kumar are camped in the town and are monitoring the situation.
Hyderabad on high alert
The twin cities have been put on high alert in the backdrop of the Sangareddy clashes.
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, home minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy and DGP V. Dinesh Reddy reviewed the law and order situation in the state on Friday. Ms Indra Reddy and minister J Geeta Reddy toured the riot affected areas.
Meanwhile, the CM has directed officials to submit a report.