An Adilabad district court on August 27 sentenced Shaik Mukdoom to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 for raping a tribal woman on September 4, 2024. The case triggered widespread outrage and communal tensions beween vanavasi community and local Muslims in Jainoor town, leading to violent clashes, arson, and curfew in
Background of the Case
On August 31, 2024, the Shaik Mukdoom offered the victim a lift in his auto-rickshaw at Soyamguda village. Trusting him, the victim boarded and left Jainoor around 1:00 p.m. After crossing Raghapur, he stopped at a secluded spot, dragged her into nearby bushes, attempted to rape her, and when she resisted, struck her repeatedly with an iron rod. Believing she had died, he left her body beside the road to mislead the investigation as a hit-and-run case. The truth came to light after the victim, undergoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad, regained consciousness and gave her statement.
Telangana: Jainoor under curfew after Muslim auto driver’s attack on tribal woman https://t.co/YfdD30K8K4
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) September 6, 2024
Based on her testimony, Jainoor police arrested the accused, who was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
As per the orders, the accused found guilty for commission of the offences punishable under sections 64 r/w 62 and 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and section 3(2)(v) of the SCs & STs (POA) Act, 1989.
Communal Tensions and Violence
News of the assault on innocent ST women led to widespread anger in Jainoor, a tribal-dominated area in Komrambheem Asifabad district, Telangana. On September 4, several tribal organisations gave a call for bandh, which soon escalated into violent clashes. Police reported stone-pelting, arson, and attacks on houses, shops, vehicles, and even a mosque. Around 12 houses were damaged, and properties belonging to both communities were targeted.
To contain the unrest, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders, cut internet services, and deployed over 1,000 police personnel, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams. Flag marches were conducted to restore calm.
In response to media reports on September 5, 2024, the NHRC has expressed concern over the violation of human rights in the matter. The Commission has requested a detailed report from the state’s top officials, including the status of the ongoing investigation, updates on the victim’s health, and the state’s efforts to provide psychological counselling and financial compensation to her.
