A two-day curfew wa clamped in Sangareddy on Friday after police resorted to lathi-charge to quell clashes between two communities.
Tension erupted late Thursday night and led to clashes and arson. More than 20 shops and some vehicles belonging to both the communities were set on fire, while a rice shop was looted at Nalsabgadda in the old town. Preliminary loss was estimated to be around Rs.1.5 crore.
Superimposition of an image on a place of worship on Facebook was said to be the reason for the clashes. An angry mob emerged on the streets and set fire to shops belonging to the other community which led to retaliation. The situation came under control only after police resorted to lathi-charge.
Some policemen were injured in stone pelting. Locals tried to prevent Collector S. Suresh Kumar from visiting the troubled spot by pelting stones on the convoy.
Additional forces were deployed to prevent further escalation of incidents. Law and Order IG Rajeev Ratan, Nizamabad Range DIG N. Sanjay and Superintendent of Police P.J. Victor rushed to the place. Deputy Chief Minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha, Home Minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy and Major Industries Minister J. Geeta Reddy visited the town.
