Telangana Town Under Curfew Following Communal Tension After Assault Incident

A protest by tribal organisations in Jainoor town, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District, escalated into violence on Wednesday. The unrest followed an alleged attempt by an auto-rickshaw driver to rape and murder a tribal woman. Authorities imposed a curfew and banned internet services to prevent the spread of rumours and fake news.

Prohibitory Orders and Curfew

District administration issued prohibitory orders under 163 BNSS in Jainoor town. A senior police official confirmed that additional forces were deployed, and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was called in to maintain order. "The situation has been brought under control," the official stated.

The incident occurred on August 31 when the driver allegedly tried to rape a 45-year-old tribal woman. When she raised an alarm, he reportedly attempted to murder her by hitting her with a stick, causing her to lose consciousness. She is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad.

Bandh Call and Violence

Tribal organisations called for a bandh to protest the assault, with many tribals participating. Some agitated youth set shops and commercial establishments on fire and pelted stones at a religious place, leading to communal tension. The conflict escalated as properties of another community were attacked, resulting in retaliation and further violence.

Police shifted the injured woman to a district hospital before transferring her to Hyderabad. Upon regaining consciousness, she informed the police about the incident. The accused was arrested and charged with sexual assault, attempted murder, and relevant sections of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Community Leaders' Involvement

Police held discussions with community elders to pacify the situation. "Police personnel are patrolling in the town," an official said. Special teams have been formed to investigate incidents of arson and violence, aiming to identify offenders and take strict legal action against them.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar expressed his concern over the incident on X (formerly Twitter). "Deeply disturbed by the brutal assault on a tribal woman by anti-social elements in Jainoor Village," he wrote. Kumar assured support for the victim's family and urged swift action against the perpetrators.

Political Reactions

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also commented on X, stating he had spoken to Telangana DGP regarding communal disturbances in Jainoor. "The @TelanganaDGP assured me that it is being monitored & additional forces are being sent," Owaisi posted.

Telangana BJP MLA Raja Singh criticised Owaisi for his silence on the Congress government in Telangana concerning crimes against women. Singh alleged that members of a community attacked those protesting against the incident. He supported capital punishment for the accused and urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to conduct a fast-track trial.

Police appealed for calm from both communities, emphasising that the accused had been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Investigations into arson and violence continue, with authorities promising strict action against those responsible.

The situation remains tense but under control as authorities work to restore peace in Jainoor town while ensuring justice for the victim.