Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad   

Violence premeditated: Police Commissioner

– Photos: Mohd. Yousuf

Huge loss: An autorickshaw set on fire by rioters in old city after fresh incidents of violence broke out late on Sunday evening. (Right) Two groups pelting stones at each other at Siddiamber Bazar.

HYDERABAD: City Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said the communal violence in the old city was “not exactly a conspiracy but a premeditated one”.

“Violence first broke out in Madannapet following a dispute over putting up a flag on Sunday last. The same type of incident occurred at Moosabowli last night and spread to other areas. We have some leads and some perpetrators have been identified and a few are already in custody,” Mr. Khan told a press conference in the evening.

15 cases booked

The Commissioner said 15 cases were booked against those involved in the violence reported at Moosabowli and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) would investigate them.

He admitted that there was a shortage of force to control violence at Moosabowli on Saturday night.

Asked about intelligence failure in assessing the situation, he evaded a direct reply and said,

“I don't think so.” On the delay over deploying additional forces on time, he said policemen could not reach the trouble spots because of deployment at other places.

A meeting was also conducted with the political leaders and peace committee members seeking their cooperation in restoring normality.

For the last three years, a culture has developed in the city with people putting up flags during festivals.

“We have asked them to take the initiative in removing the flags after completion of celebrations,” he said.

SSC exam

He said Section 144 prohibiting movement of five or more persons was imposed in south zone, Goshamahal and Asifnagar divisions.

Necessary security measures would be taken keeping in view the ongoing SSC exam in the twin cities.

Situation monitored

“We are constantly monitoring the situation,” he said, adding that property damage was not extensive.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Admission to PG courses announced
Praja Natya Mandali drive against price rise
Tasty, nutritious food for each child
Spate of problems haunt Cantonment Board residents
Navy plane's black box recovered
Cybercity launches new project
Violence premeditated: Police Commissioner
Public administration seminar today
Yuva centre: a place to unburden your problems
Telangana BC JAC petitions Srikrishna panel
R&B guesthouses to turn into budget hotels soon
ABVP, SFI activists clash
‘State trying to paralyse toddy trade'
Hyderabad Today

Copyright © 2010, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu