HYDERABAD: A peaceful protest by nearly 3,000 Hindus at the Mutyalamma Temple at Secunderabad took a violent turn on Saturday, as the Telangana police resorted to a brutal lathi charge on unarmed protesters. The demonstration, organised against the Congress-led Telangana state government’s failure to prevent repeated attacks on Hindu temples, started peacefully but descended into chaos after the police intervention around 1:30 pm.
The protesters, who included locals, businessmen, and residents from nearby areas, had gathered voluntarily to express their outrage over the Congress government’s inaction. The gathered Hindus not tied to any single organisation but supported by the VHP and Bajrang Dal, led the bandh with the aim of highlighting the negligence in protecting Hindu temples.
Several Joginis and Shiva Sattus gathered, joining the demonstrators in large numbers, adding to the strength and significance of the peaceful protest.
Congress leaders, including Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, held discussions with the temple committee regarding the recent incidents, but they failed to engage in any talks with the protesting Hindus, further intensifying the unrest.
Protesters were peacefully assembled, chanting slogans, and even served food during the protest until the police crackdown began.
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The lathi charge came as some individuals attempted to enter the nearby Metropolis Hotel, though no violence or stone-pelting had occurred. The sudden police aggression shocked the peaceful gathering, many of whom were senior citizens and women. “We came here peacefully to raise our voice against the government’s indifference. But the police attacked us without any reason,” said one protester, visibly shaken after the incident.
Local anger is brewing against not only the state Congress leaders but also temple committee members, who have been accused of remaining silent in exchange for government funds. “The temple committee has done nothing to stand up for our rights. They are complicit with the Congress, and we won’t tolerate this betrayal anymore,” said a resident, reflecting the growing disillusionment with local leaders.
The protest was primarily aimed at the inaction of the Congress government, which has repeatedly ignored the rising attacks on Hindu temples. “The government is more interested in appeasing its vote bank than protecting our faith. We won’t let them get away with this anymore,” said another protester, echoing the sentiments of many.
Malkajgiri BJP MP Etala Rajender visited the site to show his solidarity with the protesters. “This is a failure of governance. The Congress has abandoned its duty to safeguard the religious rights of Hindus,” Rajender stated. Several local corporators also joined the protest, condemning the government’s apathy.
BRS leaders Talasani Srinivas Yadav are requesting to join the protest to be relevant to unfolding events and for all political reasons..
Despite the lathi charge, the Hindu Samaj continued to maintain a peaceful stance. “This is not about a single organisation; this is about protecting our temples and our heritage. We won’t back down until justice is served,” said a senior member of the Kummariwada, Secunderabad.
As the day unfolded, the protest brought to light the growing discontent against the Congress government in Telangana. The heavy-handed police action, coupled with the government’s inaction on temple desecrations, has fuelled further anger within the Hindu community. Locals have vowed to continue their protests until concrete action is taken to protect their religious institutions.
The protests were organised across several key locations in Telangana, including Andhra Bank Crossroads in Koti, Lal Darwaza in Shalibanda, and a complete shutdown in Secunderabad Constituency. Other significant protest sites included Rayadurgam, Dilsukhnagar, Kukatpally at Y Junction, Bowenpally at Suchitra, Medchal Crossroad, and Lalaguda, which also saw a complete shutdown. Additionally, large gatherings occurred at Uppal’s Kaman, Arangar, Maheshwaram, Shamshabad, and Kandukur, reflecting widespread participation across the state.
As per reports related to the vandalism at Secunderabad’s Mutyalamma Temple, the Hyderabad Police have filed cases against Munawar Zama and two others under sections 299, 192, 196, and 223 of the IPC, along with section 49 of the BNS at the Gopalapuram police station. The charges include outraging religious sentiments and provoking communal hatred, following the destruction of the goddess idol at the temple.
Investigations said to have revealed that Munawar Zama intermittently attended online English skill development classes held at a hotel near the temple. During these sessions, he is alleged to have delivered provocative speeches to Muslim attendees, inciting hatred and ultimately leading to the temple’s vandalism.
