RAF deployed in Hyderabad as city tense over controversial remarks by BJP MLA

Additional forces have been deployed wherever it is necessary. Some protests were held last night. But the situation is peaceful now, G Biksham Reddy Assistant Commissioner of Police, Charminar said on Wednesday.

Hyderabad: Police in Hyderabad deployed Rapid Action Force in parts of the city following overnight protests against suspended BJP legislator Raja Singh's alleged remarks against Prophet Mohammed, which stretched into Wednesday as well.

Singh was arrested by the city police on Tuesday for making remarks against Islam and Prophet Mohammed in a video, which was later pulled down by the social media platform on which it was uploaded. Later, he was released by a local court. Following his release protests erupted with people taking to the streets on late Tuesday night in various parts of the city including Charminar area, prompting the police to beef up security.

Police arrested 20 more people who were agitating and deployed over 300 RAF personnel in many areas of Old Town. Forces were deployed in Mirchowk, Goshamahal and Charminar areas. The RAF took out a flag march from Charminar. Earlier, the restive crowds mostly consisting of young people remained on the roads till after midnight, holding black flags, shouting slogans, and marching in rallies.

The main intersections at Madina, Afzalganj, and Charminar turned into volatile focal points where angry demonstrators showed no signs of relenting. Many people gathered in small groups at different traffic junctions, blocked the roads with their vehicles, and raised slogans.

The police stepped up security efforts and mobilized additional forces to prevent a flare-up of violence. On the other hand, the police were deployed on a large scale at the house of BJP Goshamahal MLA Raja Singh which falls within old city limits. Barricades were set up to prevent anyone else from coming toward his house.

On Tuesday, the 14 Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Nampally returned the remand application for suspended BJP MLA Raja Singh and ordered that he be released forthwith. The suspension, arrest, and release, all happened on Tuesday after citywide protests staged by AIMIM on Monday in Hyderabad demanding his arrest.

"You have expressed views contrary to the Party’s position on various matters, which is in clear violation of the rules. I have been directed to convey to you that pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities/assignments if any, with immediate effect," read the BJP Central Disciplinary Committee letter.

It further asked him to also show cause within 10 days from the date of this notice as to why should he not be expelled from the party. "Your detailed reply must reach the undersigned no later than 2nd of September 2022," the letter added.

In the video, the two-time MLA from the Goshmahal Assembly constituency in Hyderabad primarily criticized standup comedian Munawar Faruqui's work. While doing so, he makes a remark about Prophet Muhammed on the same lines as Nupur Sharma without attributing the comment to anyone. The MLA had last week tried to disrupt Faruqui's show in Hyderabad, for which he was taken into preventive custody from his residence at Mangalhat in the Old City. Singh, known for his strong Hindutva views, alleged that Faruqui had insulted Hindu Gods in his show in the past and that had attracted police cases.