Hyderabad: Rachakonda police nabbed three accused involved in a case of coronavirus- induced racism against two students from Manipur and as a goodwill gesture handed over essential supplies which was denied to them at a supermarket.
The police also interacted with both of them and assured to reach them in case of any emergency.
Further, the police warned that any such discrimination based on caste, religion, race and language in public places will not be tolerated at any cost.
The private security guards, along with the store manager, were taken into custody for not letting the two do shopping because of their facial appearance, police said.
A video of the incident, purportedly showing one security guard saying there is no entry for them, even as two persons were heard seeking to know the reason for the refusal of entry, went viral, the police said.
Read:Telangana: Manipur duo face racial abuse, denied entry at supermarket
The incident happened on Wednesday when the two students, aged around 24, pursuing BTech course in the city, went to buy grocery and vegetables, they said.
Based on a complaint, a case was registered under IPC sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups) and other relevant sections and two security guards and the store manager were taken into custody, an Investigating official said.
Reacting to the incident, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju tweeted: "I appreciate such prompt actions by @RachakondaCop police. This kind of humane gesture spreads positive messages and make our country united."
Taking a serious note of the episode, Telangana IT and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao said termed it as absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable and said racism in any form should be dealt with sternly.
Rama Rao tweeted: "This is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable. Racism in any form should be dealt with sternly Request @TelanganaDGP to instruct all Police Commissioners & Superintendents of Police to take up these issues seriously with retail association & send out a clear message."
(With inputs from PTI)
