Communal tensions flared up in Asifabad district of Telangana on Wednesday following protests against an alleged sexual assault of a woman from the ST Gondu caste. The incident, which occurred in Devuguda village, involved an auto-rickshaw driver, Sheikh Makhdhoom, who allegedly attempted to sexually assault the 45-year-old woman on August 31st.
According to reports, the driver, after the woman raised an alarm, beat her with a stick and left her unconscious on the roadside, intending to kill her. The woman’s younger brother filed a complaint with the Sirpur U Police Station on September 1st, leading to the registration of a case under the SC/ST Act for attempted rape and murder. The accused was apprehended on Tuesday by DSP Sadayya Panthati.
The alleged assault sparked widespread outrage and triggered protests in Jainoor town. A mob of around 5,000 people, comprising members of various tribal organisations, participated in a bandh call condemning the crime. The protesters, demonstrating their anger, set commercial establishments on fire and pelted stones at religious structures. They also staged a rasta-roko (road blockade) in Jainoor, demanding capital punishment for the accused.
The escalating communal tensions drew attention from political figures. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed concerns over the chaotic situation and wrote to the Telangana DGP, appealing for peace and urging authorities to prevent further escalation. He highlighted the importance of maintaining law and order and emphasized that no one should be allowed to take the law into their own hands. The Telangana DGP assured Owaisi that the situation was being monitored, additional forces were being deployed, and action would be taken against those who disrupt public peace.
The BJP, in its response, criticized the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in Telangana, suggesting a bias towards the minority community due to the accused’s background. They also highlighted the incident as evidence of the Congress government’s ‘shameless rule’ through a series of tweets.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sensitive nature of communal tensions and the importance of addressing issues of crime and justice with sensitivity and fairness. The protests and reactions highlight the need for swift action from authorities to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
