Hyderabad: Police feared Army-locals clash after death of 11-year-old boy

Hyderabad: In what looked like the most extensive police bandobast in recent times, more than 12 platoons of Telangana Special Police Force and Armed Reserve Force, three platoons of City Armed Reserve, one platoon of women police force, 12 Task Force teams, Central and West Zone personnel and one platoon of Rapid Action Force were deployed since early on Thursday morning.

Strict regulations were imposed on the entry of people through the Mehdipatnam Military Garrison gate, as the police said that they feared clashes between locals and the Army might erupt. About 50 people staged a protest at 11 am, where they shouted slogans and carried placards seeking justice for the 11-year-old victim.

People hold pictures of the boy while protesting the alleged involvement of the Army in the death of the 11-year-old.

Later, many youngsters also gathered at the gate and started shouting slogans, forcing the police to clear the area. The cops also resorted to lathi- charge and took some of the protesters in custody.

“Starting from 11 am, a crowd assembled at the gate and our main job was to maintain law and order. People were emotionally charged and even a small incident would cause riots, which is why we had to deploy so much force,” said D. Srinivas, ACP, West Zone, Hyderabad City Police.

Shakera Begum, the mother, grieves the loss of her son along with other family members.