Hyderabad sees clashes for third day

Communal violence broke out in the old city area of Hyderabad for the third straight day on Monday, forcing the government to impose indefinite curfew. A man was stabbed to death by mobs in the evening.

Trouble began in Musarambagh area under Hussaini Alam Police Station limits on Friday after two groups clashed during Ram Navami celebrations. A group from one community, which was trying to remove flags and buntings put up by another community, was resisted.

Then, people from one group torched the goshala (cowshed) in the old city and four cows died, triggering more trouble on Monday. The situation seemed to be under control till afternoon, but it took a serious turn after a man was stabbed to death in the evening.
The government was not willing to confirm the number of injured, but sources said it could be as high as 200. “Several received knife injuries on their wrists. It was a clear attempt to cut nerves, which would have resulted in faster death,” the source said.
Several people were injured when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells. “We had no option but to impose curfew since we need some time to deploy forces and take control of the situation,” home minister Sabita Reddy said.

Fresh incidents of violence were reported from Mogulpur, Shalibanda, Charminar, Lal Darwaza and Aliabad areas, DGP Girish Kumat said. The Centre sent 1,800 paramilitary personnel to help police restore peace in sensitive areas.