Communal riots erupted in Adilabad: Police resorted to tear gas, muslim properties damaged

Hyderabad, May 8, 2017: After a message got viral on WhatsApp, communal riots erupted in Utnoor, Adilabad district. Persons from two communities indulged in violent activities. According to the details, an abusive message against the Muslims got viral on WhatsApp. In response to it, a youth posted an audio record which also became viral in no time. After this, the activists of Hindu Vahini, VHP and other Hindu outfits broke the locks of 16 shops belonging to Muslims and damaged the properties. After getting the news, the leaders of local minority community informed the state minority leaders. They contacted the IG of Hyderabad on telephone and apprised him of the situation in Utnoor. He assured that he would instruct DIG, Commissioner and SP of the district to control the situation immediately. Due to the delay of police, a lot of damage has been caused to Muslim properties. Police clamped section 144 during the night time. Despite this, the next day, two communities collided with each other near the old bus stand which is in the vicinity of police station. Heavy pelting of stone was done. Police released tear gas shells. People of both the communities got injured. District SP, Mr. P. Srinivas got an injury on his hand and DSP, Mr. Lakshmi Narayana got wounded in his foot. The Muslims were told to offer Zohar prayer in their houses. Police pickets were posted at all the Masajid. According to reports, after the last night incident, a large number of activists belonging to Hindu Vahini and VHP gathered from the nearby places, due to which the situation went out of control. DIG of Kareem Nagar range, Mr. Ravi Kumar, District Collector, Mr. Buddha Prakash and SP, Mr. N. Srinivas in a press conference held at the police station told that cases have been registered against the persons who pelted stones on the individuals. Those who posted messages on WhatsApp were also booked. Cases have also been registered against those who pelted stones at the police. Mohammed Hakeem who is alleged to have posted audio message on WhatsApp is absconding. DIG, Mr. Ravi Kumar is camping at Utnoor. He informed that prominent leaders of both the communities would be commissioned and attempts would be made to control the situation. –Siasat News