Parts of the old city witnessed some tense moments on Sunday when the police and GHMC personnel tried to seize cattle that was brought for sale on account of Bakrid on October 27.
Trouble broke out at Bada Bazaar in Yakutpura when authorities prevented a person from selling cattle on the Zafer Road. A heated argument took place between two groups resulting in a clash. Amid slogan-shouting, protesters staged a demonstration denouncing the “high-handed” behaviour of the police as well as municipal officials.
Protesters then hurled stones on the municipal van that came to catch the cattle and damaged its windscreen. Police officials immediately roped in religious leaders and pacified the protesters.
Additional police forces were also rushed to the spot to prevent any untoward incidents.
Earlier in the day, there was minor skirmish at Bibi Bazaar near Charminar when the police and municipal personnel tried to take away cattle kept in a residential area based on a complaint made by the local people about unhygienic condition in the area due to the presence of cattle.
However, Charminar Majlis legislator Ahmed Pasha Quadri, who reached the spot, argued with the police and threatened to stage a protest against their action.
Shutters downed
Sensing trouble, heavy police force was mobilised in the area even as shopkeepers on the stretch downed the shutters fearing more trouble.
Later, the police and GHMC team left the area after the MLA had promised to shift cattle to another location.
The city police have decided to form special teams to examine and issue fitness certificates to cattle brought from elsewhere in the State for Bakrid Qurbani.
The teams are to be formed in coordination with the district administration, GHMC and the Animal Husbandry Department, a press release said.
The release further stated a veterinary doctor would issue the health certificates and a joint control would also start functioning round-the-clock with immediate effect to issue the certificates. People can also contact the nearby police station for registering any complaint.
