Hanuman devotees on the way to a Yatra in Karimnagar in Telangana allegedly beat up an individual suspecting him to be dangerous.
Karimnagar violence
Police in Telangana’s Karimnagar registered three cases and arrested seven people on Sunday, 26 May, over the violence during a Hanuman Yatra in Karimnagar town late on Saturday night.
According to the cops, the group alleged that they saw a man dancing with a knife, and beat him up because they suspected him to be dangerous.
However, after an initial investigation, police found that the victim was also a devotee of Hanuman who had come to take part in the Yatra.
Talking to South First, Karimnagar Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Narender said, “One person, namely Srinivas, was granted permission for Hanuman Yatra in Karimnagar Town per Election Commission of India (ECI) rules.”
He added: “While on their way to Hanuman Yatra, the group found a stranger dancing with a knife. They misunderstood him and beat him up.”
“Police present at the Hanuman Yatra were rescuing the victim when the group objected and damaged a police vehicle,” the officer said.
#Telangana: A group of people, some wearing Hanuman Mala and others participating in a Hanuman Yatra in Karimnagar town caused disturbances when they suspected an individual did not belong to their group and attacked him. The individual, who was a believer and follower of… pic.twitter.com/llhQVfTSUG
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 26, 2024
While clarifying that the knife-wielding man was a Hanuman devotee who was under the influence of alcohol, the cops said that in an attempt to prevent police from rescuing the victim, an individual even lay down under the police vehicle, while a few clung to it.
Eventually, Karimnagar police registered three cases and arrested seven people in connection with the violence, which created tension in the area.
Karimnagar Commissioner of Police (CP) Abhishek Mohanty said that the individual, who was a believer and follower of Hinduism, was beaten up despite his intention not to harm anybody. He, however, had a small kitchen knife with him.
“We are investigating by reviewing videos and questioning why the man was carrying a knife. Cases have been registered against those involved in the violence, and arrests will be made soon,” he said.
Neelam Bhargava Ram, the joint convener of the BJP Legal Cell’s Hyderabad Central District unit, shared with South First the videos of the incident and claimed that police were seen with lathis, asking people to disperse and go back to their homes.
However, ACP Narender explained that per restrictions until the results of Lok Sabha elections on 4 June, they must ensure that no one causes chaos and that peace in the state is not disturbed.
He added that no BJP member was present in the scene but a few supporters of the party were there.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar released a video alleging that police misbehaved with individuals wearing Hanuman Mala (garland) and were now trying to misrepresent the facts.
He also alleged that police did not maintain law and order in Karimnagar, and called for the arrested persons to be released immediately.
“Police have misbehaved with the Hanuman Mala individuals. There are videos and it is seen that one Hanuman Mala person is hanging onto the police vehicle,” he said.
“Police, who should maintain law and order, are to blame for the abuse. No Hanuman devotee will use such language,” he added.
“Attention is being diverted and they will face the consequences of it. The individuals should be freed immediately,” he said.
(Edited by Neena)
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