Old Hyderabad tense after protest

Hyderabad : Tension prevailed in the Old City of Hyderabad Friday after violent protests by a group of people protesting against MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi’s arrest for alleged hate speech.

Police used batons and tear gas to disperse hundreds of youths coming out of the historic Mecca Masjid after Friday prayers as they resorted to stoning and tried to advance towards Charminar.

Youngsters raised slogans and some held pictures of Akbaruddin Owaisi, the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen who was arrested Tuesday and is currently jailed in Adilabad, some 300 km from here.

Police said some people pelted stones from inside the mosque on policemen and journalists. They also tried to take out a procession but were pushed back by police.

The protestors dispersed into the localities surrounding Charminar and stoned shops and vehicles.

Markets around the historic monument were shut down while the usually busy streets were deserted.

Photo  : AFP