Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Tension in Chilakalaguda as mobs attack buses

HYDERABAD: Tension prevailed in Chilakalaguda on Monday night when mobs attacked RTC buses expressing anger over words scribbled in a city bus hurting their religious sentiments.

Five RTC buses were extensively damaged as the frenzied crowds pelted stones and attacked the buses with sticks and rods. None was injured in the incident but locals, some passers-by and passengers got panicky as violence broke out suddenly around 9 p.m.

A group of youths intercepted a city bus going from Jamai Osmania to Secunderabad near Gandhi statue at Chilakalaguda, evacuated the passengers and damaged the vehicle raising slogans. Even as the scared passengers rushed out, the attackers broke the windscreens and tore the seats resulting in extensive damage to the bus.

The attackers charged that objectionable words about their religion and preachers were scribbled on the back of all the seats in the bus. They stopped four more busses plying on the route and attacked them.

The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Charminar MLA Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri, who rushed to the spot, led a demonstration urging the government to initiate serious action against the persons responsible for scribbling the objectionable words. Tension escalated in the area as the demonstration continued till late in the night.

North Zone DCP M. Siva Prasad and other officials arrived on the scene and tried to pacify the agitators but the latter refused to stop their protests till the accused were arrested. Additional forces were rushed to the area to meet any eventuality.

The MLA charged that anti-social elements were trying to disturb the peaceful city by provoking people. “We’ve information that such words and drawings are found in many city buses. This would not be tolerated,” he said addressing the protestors.

He demanded the government to immediately arrest the accused persons in the case.

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