Hyderabad: A minor dispute over a devotional song at a shop in Banswada town, Kamareddy district, escalated into a communal clash Friday, injuring civilians and police, sparking vandalism, and prompting a bandh Saturday.
Kamareddy SP Rajesh Chandra said the trouble began when Muslim man Muzzamil objected to a saleswoman playing the song at a store. The argument turned violent as Hindus and Muslims pelted stones at each other.
Police intervening faced attacks too—one constable was seriously injured. Officers used lathi charges to disperse the crowd. Later, a mob from both communities protested outside the station, resuming stone-pelting and damaging small shops.
"We arrested 10-12 people, including Muzzamil, following the incident. A constable was severely injured in the stone pelting and he is out of danger now," SP Chandra told Siasat.com. He warned of strict action against disturbers and forceful shop closures, assuring the public of safety. Additional forces from nearby districts were deployed; situation now under control.
Responding to the clash, right-wing outfits called for Saturday's bandh. Many shops shut in solidarity as SP Chandra and seniors reviewed security.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi reacted on X: "The increasing number of communal incidents in Telangana is very concerning. How is it possible that such a large crowd was mobilised within a few hours?" He alleged videos show right-wing groups targeting minority shops and vendors, even assaulting a suspect in custody.