Tension gripped parts of old city with Charminar as epicentre, after police was forced to lob tear-gas shells to disperse violent mobs.

After several efforts to pacify the crowds including lathicharge proved ineffective, police had to lob tear gas shells. Trouble broke out after noon prayers at Mecca Masjid.

People from a particular community pelted stones and burnt at least two cars and several two-wheelers and damaged the window panes of few other four-wheelers and bikes.

According to sources, the trouble broke out as people became violent after Friday prayers. The old city has been facing tense situation following the recent controversy over a newly erected structure near Bhagyalakshmi temple close to the historic Charminar.

Mild tension continued in the old city area as shops and establishments downed shutters.

Police had taken adequate measures by increasing the security in the area including deployment of Rapid Action Force teams.

The recent communal incidents in the old city area in the past one week has also lead to some developments in the political circles.

rishikumar.vundi@thehondu.co.in

comment COMMENT NOW