Hyderabad: Security up in Amberpet after row over mosque

Hyderabad: Following the call by a local outfit to march to the site of a demolished mosque in Amberpet, the Hyderabad police beefed up security in Amberpet and nearby areas. Security for the march, which had not been permitted by the police, combined with the arrangements made for the IPL final at Uppal and resulted in some inconvenience to motorists in the form of frisking and vehicle checks.

City police commissioner Anjani Kumar had stated on Saturday that no unlawful gathering would be allowed in Amberpet. Subsequent-ly, 77 people, including activists of certain outfits were taken into custody on Sunday.

The site had become the centre of attention after a disused mosque was demolished by the GHMC after paying compensation to its occupants. Following a controversy, there was an attempt to re-build the mosque at the site which is being opposed by another group.

Mr Shaik Salahuddin, a resident of Amberpet, said, "Following a call from a local outfit, a group of activists arrived at the land to offer prayers. The police officials who were deployed at the spot asked them to leave. In response, the youth started raising slogans. The police had no option but to take them into preventive custody. They were released in the evening to break their fast."

East Zone DCP M. Ramesh said, "In view of the recent events, we have intensified patrolling in the area. Despite very clear instructions, the activists returned to the spot. We took 13 activists and 64 others into preventive custody and shifted them to OU police station. Another six members were shifted to Bowenpally police station."

BJP Goshamahal legislator T. Raja Singh said in a post on social media that he had "been house arrested again by the police (sic)" and that he didn't understand why he was being "targeted".

Following the call for the march, Mr Anjani Kumar had said, "People with vested interests have been spreading these rumours about the gathering in Amberpet. No unlawful gathering will be allowed, particularly in and around an area that witnessed a law and order breach last Sunday."

Mr Kumar warned that anyone who attempted to disturb the peace and tranquility in Amberpet would be dealt with severely in accordance with the law. He requested people to cooperate with the police and to refrain from sharing such messages for the sake of public order and peace.