Telangana: An agitated mob set commercial establishments ablaze during protests against an auto-driver who attempted to rape and murder a tribal woman in Jainoor mandal centre of Asifabad in Telgana. This triggered a communal clash in the region on Wednesday.
As the incident was brought to light, various tribal rights organisations condemned it and called for a bandh. Around 5000 tribals from several parts of the district took part in the bandh in Jainoor manadal centre.
According to a report by Telangana Today, the agitators torched the commercial establishments, besides pelting stones on religious structures, and assaulting media personnel who were recording the protest. Later, it turned into a communal conflict in the Jainoor region. Videos of the mob setting the shops on fire in the market have also surfaced online.
Prohibitory Orders In Jainoor Amid Unrest
As the situation grew tense, police authorities clamped prohibitory orders under section 163 of the BNSS in Jainoor, urging people to not pay heed to rumours regarding communal incidents. The entry of outsiders into Jainoor without permission has also been restricted. The police set up check posts to screen those entering the region.
District SP Gaush Alam, issued a statement on Wednesday, warning stern action against those spreading rumours on communal clashes in Jainoor. He stated that the police was also monitoring the social media. He added that those circulating rumours would be prosecuted.
BJP Slams Congress Over Law & Order Situation
The Bharatiya Janata Party slammed the Congress-led state government over the law and order situation in Telangana and engaging in politics of sympathy for minorities.
Telangana BJP said in a post on X: "Komaram Bhim is atrocious in Jainur, Asifabad district. Sheikh Makhdhoom was the rapist who raped a tribal girl. He tried to kill her for fear of filing a case. As the perpetrator belongs to a minority community, the Revanth Sarkar has the upper hand. An attempt to turn the rape case into an accident. This is the relatives of the criminal who attacked the tribals protesting for justice. Politics of sympathy for minorities. Evidence of shameless Congress rule."
Meanwhile, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi voiced concern over the communal tensions. He also wrote to Telangana DGP over the unrest in the region. Owaisi further appealed for peace and stated that nobody should be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
"I have spoken to Telangana DGP regarding incidents of communal disturbances in Jainoor, Asifabad District, the Telangana DGP assured me that it is being monitored &additional forces are being send and action will be taken against people who take law in their hands," he stated in a post on X.
What Is The Asifabad Assault Case?
The accused auto-rickshaw driver, Muqdum from Sonupatel village, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly attempting to murder a 45-year-old tribal woman from Devuguda. Before this, he even tried to rape the victim at Raghavapur village in Jainoor mandal. The incident took place on August 31 when the victim hired the three-wheeler to visit her parents at Soyamguda, Telangana Today reported.
When the woman tried to raise alarm, the accused left her on the road between Raghavapur and Soyamgudam village. He then hit her with a large stick in an attempt to kill her. Thinking she was dead, he left her on the road when she lost consciousness.
A few passersby noticed her on the roadside and rushed her to a nearby hospital in Sirpur (U) by summoning a 108 ambulance. After gaining consciousness, she narrated the ordeal to her brother, who lodged a complaint with police on Monday, September 2.
Various tribal rights organisations also staged a 'rasta-roko' in Jainoor mandal centre on Tuesday, demanding capital punishment for the accused.