The Hyderabad police came under fire after a viral video surfaced, showing an autorickshaw equipped with a loudspeaker in the old city area blaring out a warning to people against being on the roads after 11 PM. The announcement threatened that anyone seen after the designated hour would face beatings and lathi charges with a stern assertion that the police would not be lenient. However, Hyderabad police have said that the information was not true.
Hyderabad Police Issue Clarification
Taking to X, Hyderabad City Police said, "The recent social media news making rounds that city police are closing shops by 10.30 or 11 pm are totally misleading. The shops and establishments will open/close as per the already existing rules only. Hence the same may be noted by all."
Meanwhile, Hyderabad police are on high alert following a series of recent murders and certain restrictions were imposed in view of the law and order situation.
Owaisi Reacts
Earlier, the viral video prompted Hyderabad MP Owaisi to question the alleged announcement. Owaisi expressed his concerns on X, calling for clarification from Telangana's Director General of Police and Hyderabad's Commissioner of Police.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said, "@TelanganaDGP @CPHydCity could such an announcement be made by police in Jubilee Hills? Whether they are Irani chai hotels or pan shops or commercial establishments, they should be allowed to remain open till 12 AM at least. In any case, there should be a uniform policy across the board. Big metros across the country allow shops to be open in the night. There’s already an economic downturn. Why is it different in Hyderabad?"
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