A separate case has been registered in connection with the attacks on police personnel and vandalising the religious structure.
Published Jan 20, 2026 | 1:37 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 20, 2026 | 1:37 PM
Screengrab from the incident. Credit: x.com/farooquiahmed01
Synopsis: A communal clash broke out in Hyderabad’s Puranapul on 14 January 2026 after partial damage to a temple banner and idol. Retaliatory violence targeted a nearby shrine, graves, and vehicles, injuring civilians and police. Multiple cases were filed, suspects arrested, and CCTV evidence secured. Authorities confirmed main idols were safe, urged restraint, and tightened security. Situation remains under control.
A communal clash erupted in Hyderabad’s Puranapul area on Wednesday, 14 January, 2026, after an unidentified person partially damaged a flexi banner and a plaster idol at the Puranapul Darwaza Mysamma temple.
In retaliation, a mob gathered, damaged a nearby chilla (Muslim shrine), vandalised graves, set a two-wheeler on fire, and damaged other vehicles and property. Police intervened with a lathi charge after the mob pelted stones, injuring at least 10 people including policemen and civilians. Two separate cases were registered for vandalism and violence, with heavy police deployment continuing in the area.
CCTV footage and other evidence from the crime scene have been collected. Critical information regarding the accused has been obtained during the probe.
Deity of Goddess and Shivaji dhwaj were desecrated in Puranapul, Hyderabad.
An organized and systematic desecration of Hindu temples is underway in Telangana.
Congress government to protect its vote bank has allowed these extremist forces to take over the state. pic.twitter.com/NjvwxSk2it
— BJP Telangana (@BJP4Telangana) January 15, 2026
However, following this incident, a mob of approximately 300 people gathered and vandalised a nearby Chilla. They also attacked the police personnel who were trying to bring the situation under control. Four police personnel sustained severe injuries in this attack.
A separate case has been registered in connection with the attacks on police personnel and vandalising the religious structure.
Severe violence and unrest occurring right now at Puranapul X Road. Footage shows a mob damaging property and injuring civilians. Police presence is requested immediately to control the situation and take strict action against culprits.
@hydcitypolice @CPHydCity @TelanganaDGP pic.twitter.com/8NZrQ9L8iL— AHMED FAROOQUI (@farooquiahmed01) January 14, 2026
“Only the flexi and the POP idol inside the temple veranda were partially damaged in this incident. The idols in the sanctum sanctorum are safe. The offender did not enter inside the main temple. There is absolutely no truth to the rumors being spread that the main idol was destroyed. Hyderabad Police appeals to the citizens not to believe such malicious propaganda,” said DCP, Rajendranagar.
On Wednesday midnight (14.01.2026), at approximately 11:30 PM, an unidentified individual entered the Puranapool Darwaza Mysamma Temple and partially damaged a flexi banner and a POP (Plaster of Paris) idol located in the temple veranda. Responding immediately to the incident,… pic.twitter.com/KZONzDJVx2
— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) January 16, 2026
“Currently, the situation in the area is completely under control. Citizens are requested not to panic. Stringent legal action will be taken against those spreading fake news on social media regarding this incident, and against those who take the law into their own hands and disrupt law and order,” he added.
Puranapul Hyd📍
Hindutva goons attacked and vandalised Muslim graves & desecrated a dargah in puranapul . This shameful act appears to be a deliberate attempt to disturb the peace of the city. Police silence then has led to violence now. Law & order failure.!@asadowaisi pic.twitter.com/D8wnTdZzH9— Muhammad Tasaffur (@im_believer9) January 15, 2026
Kamatipura police arrested 11 more suspects, including a woman, on 19 January, 2026, for raising provocative slogans, causing damage, and attacking police; the main suspect had been detained earlier. A 19-year-old victim who was injured and lost his scooter lodged a complaint. No further incidents reported as of January 20, 2026.
(With inputs from Sumit Jha. Edited by Amit Vasudev)
