Areas around Charminar in old city continued to be tense for the second consecutive day on Friday as some youngsters tried to stoke violence by targeting vehicles soon after completion of noon prayers at Mecca Masjid.
While Mirchowk ACP’s Sumo and another private four-wheeler were damaged by the stone-pelting mobs, police dispersed them using mild force. Large contingents of police were deployed at all sensitive points to meet any eventuality in the backdrop of tension witnessed the previous day over alleged attempt to expand Bhagya Laxmi temple abutting historic Charminar. Security was further strengthened keeping in view the huge congregations at Mecca Masjid for Friday noon prayers. Devotees assembled at the temple offering prayers from the morning. Their numbers swelled by noon when the traditional ‘harati’ is offered.
Even as police heaved a sigh of relief after the devotees left the place, some youngsters remained before the masjid though most of the namajis went away quietly after the noon prayers. As the youngsters remained there, police sent them away.
The group of youth initially headed towards Shahalibanda but the policemen there directed them to take the Moghalpura route. “After reaching Moghalpura water tank area, the mobs began showering stones on vehicles. The Mirchowk ACP M. Kishtaiah was in his Sumo when the miscreants damaged the vehicle’s windscreen. The ACP and his team fortunately escaped unhurt.
Another private four-wheeler coming towards Charminar too was damaged. The mobs were eventually chased away by the policemen. Rumours flew thick and fast that mobs set afire one more car keeping the police on tenterhooks.
A person in his early 30s, Paramesh of Bihar, was allegedly attacked with a knife by unidentified persons while he was going from Kalvagadda in Falaknuma to Shamsheergunj Andhra Bank later in the day. He was rushed to a hospital. Police said they were investigating into the attack and were yet to identify the persons and motive behind it.
