Hyderabad: City police have arrested 11 people in connection with a communal incident in the Puranapool area of the Old City that involved damage to a temple, desecration of a nearby Mazar (Chilla), and clashes with police personnel. The arrests were made on January 19 following an intensive investigation using CCTV footage and technical evidence, officials said.
Incident that triggered tension
According to senior police officials, the chain of events began late on the night of January 15 when an unidentified individual allegedly entered the Mysamma Temple near Puranapool Darwaza around 11.30 pm. The man is accused of damaging a flex banner and a small idol made of Plaster of Paris that was kept in the temple veranda. Police clarified that the main sanctum and the principal idol inside the temple were not damaged.
News of the vandalism quickly spread in the locality, leading to heightened tension. A large number of residents gathered near the temple premises, demanding action against those responsible. Police said that despite efforts to calm the crowd, emotions ran high due to the sensitive nature of the incident.
Vandalism of Chilla and communal slogans
Soon after the gathering near the temple, a group of people allegedly formed an unlawful assembly and moved towards a nearby Chilla or Mazar belonging to another community. Police alleged that the group vandalised the structure and raised provocative and communal slogans, further escalating tensions and disturbing public order and communal harmony in the area.
The situation deteriorated rapidly as slogans and counter-slogans were raised, drawing more people into the confrontation. Police sources said the incident had the potential to spread to other parts of the Old City if not controlled swiftly.
Clash with police and injuries
When police personnel reached the spot to disperse the crowd and restore order, some individuals allegedly clashed with them. During the confrontation, four police personnel sustained injuries. Additional forces were rushed to the area, and senior officers supervised the operation to prevent further escalation.
After sustained efforts, the situation was brought under control. Police imposed heightened vigilance in the surrounding localities to ensure that no retaliatory incidents occurred.
Registration of multiple cases
Based on complaints received from different sides, police registered separate cases related to the damage caused to the temple, the desecration of the Mazar, and the attack on police personnel during the clash. Officials said the cases were registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws to address communal violence, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their duties.
Within 24 hours of the initial incident, police arrested the man accused of vandalising the temple on January 16, demonstrating what officials described as “swift action” to prevent further unrest.
Investigation and arrests
As part of the continued investigation, the Kamatipura Police closely analysed CCTV footage from the temple vicinity, surrounding streets, and nearby establishments. This analysis, combined with other technical evidence, helped identify those allegedly involved in the unlawful assembly and vandalism of the Mazar.
On January 19, police arrested 11 accused persons, including several men and one woman. Officials said all those arrested were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest other individuals who may have been involved and are currently absconding.
A senior police officer stated that the investigation is being conducted in a fair and impartial manner, and strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, irrespective of community or political affiliation.
Heightened security measures
Following instructions from Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, security has been significantly stepped up across the Old City. Police have intensified patrolling, conducted flag marches in sensitive localities such as Kamatipura and Bahadurpura, and deployed pickets at strategic points to prevent any further incidents.
Officials said these measures are precautionary and aimed at reassuring residents and maintaining law and order. Surveillance has also been increased through CCTV monitoring and deployment of additional personnel.
Political reactions and public appeal
In the aftermath of the incident, several political leaders visited the area. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Telangana BJP president Ramchandra Rao separately inspected the spot. The BJP accused the ruling Congress government in Telangana of failing to protect the temple and ensure the safety of religious places.
Meanwhile, Telangana Police appealed to people from all communities to maintain peace, avoid spreading rumours on social media, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Police warned that strict action would be taken against those attempting to incite violence or disturb communal harmony.
There are indications that the arrests and subsequent police action could lead to further political protests, particularly from groups alleging selective or excessive action. Police, however, maintained that their actions are based solely on evidence and aimed at preserving peace.
Conclusion
Authorities said the situation in the Old City is currently under control, but vigilance will continue in the coming days. Police reiterated their commitment to act firmly against communal violence while ensuring that the investigation remains transparent and unbiased. Residents have been urged to rely only on official information and contribute to maintaining harmony in the city.