Telangana Police arrest 14 people for communal clashes over Shivaji statue desecration

Hyderbad: In the aftermath of communal clashes that erupted in Gajwel on Tuesday, July 4, the police have registered a total of eight First Information Reports (FIRs), with five new cases added to the existing three.

The clashes were allegedly triggered by the desecration of a statue of Chatrapati Shivaji by a Muslim individual on July 3. As a result, tensions escalated, leading to a bandh call by right-wing Hindutva groups and subsequent clashes in the town.

Police authorities have taken swift action and arrested 14 individuals in connection with the incidents. The accused have been identified as Mohammed Imran, Mohammed Akheel, Mohammed Zaheer, Mushanam Karunakar Goud, Matam Mahipal, Kashamain Naveen, Gachuchbai Mahesh Goud, Srinivas, Muhammad Ghaud, Muhammad Qadir, Mohammed Naheem, Mohammed Ghouse, Mohammed Chand Pasha, and Mohammed Sharukh Khan. These individuals are now in judicial remand for a period of 14 days.

The initial clash occurred on Monday, July 3, at around 7 pm when Mohammed Imran allegedly desecrated the statue of Chatrapati Shivaji with the intention of provoking communal sentiments. The incident was promptly reported to the Gajwel police station by the complainant, Pitla Kumar, and members of the Bhagat Youth Association.

An FIR was filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those pertaining to obscenity, intentional provocation of religious feelings, and insulting behaviour.

In addition to Imran, other individuals associated with him were also booked for assaulting the petitioners involved in the case. Separate cases were registered against Mohammed Zaheer, Mohammed Akheel, Mohammed Ghouse, Mohammed Chand Pasha, Mohammed Sharukh Khan, Mohammed Hussain, Mohammed Wajid, Mohammed Laddu Sharukh, and Mohammed Khaleem for protesting against Imran's arrest.

They were charged with promoting enmity between different groups, disobedience to public orders, and assault on public servants.

Further clashes were reported on Tuesday, July 4, when right-wing Hindu organizations called for a bandh in Gajwel. While the police denied allegations of stone-pelting at Muslim establishments, a separate complaint was lodged by Sayyad Yousufuddin, the president of the Tanjamul Masjid committee.

Yousufuddin accused participants of a large rally of attacking the mosque by throwing stones and damaging flags. The police registered a case based on his complaint, charging the accused with promoting enmity between different groups, intentional outrage of religious feelings, and disobedience to public orders.

Moreover, a case was filed against Cheekoti Praveen and several others for organizing an unauthorized dharna near the Shivaji statue on July 4, leading to disruptions in traffic. They have been booked under various sections of the IPC.

The police have been actively investigating all the cases, with different officers assigned to each FIR. Their focus is on maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and preventing any further escalation of communal tensions. The district administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony, urging citizens to refrain from engaging in activities that can disturb communal coexistence.