Violence erupted in Hyderabad’s Gudimalkapur area on Saturday night after a dispute linked to rumours of cattle transportation triggered stone pelting between two groups, leading to tension in the locality and a heavy police deployment.
The incident reportedly began when a group of cow vigilantes stopped a container truck around midnight, suspecting that it was carrying cattle.
However, police later confirmed that the vehicle was transporting cardboard and plywood materials, not cattle.
Vehicle Stopped by Vigilantes, Situation Escalates
According to eyewitness accounts, the situation escalated after the vehicle was intercepted. Although the truck was cleared after inspection, tensions had already risen in the area.
Local residents allegedly objected to the stopping of the vehicle, after which a confrontation broke out between the two sides. Soon after, stone pelting started from both groups, further worsening the situation.
Eyewitnesses said the vigilantes were eventually driven away by locals, but by then the situation had already turned violent.
At least two police personnel were injured in the clashes, while several bystanders also suffered injuries. Multiple vehicles were damaged during the incident.
Police Deployment and Night-long Control Efforts
Police teams rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the violence. Senior officials later deployed additional forces to bring the situation under control.
Patrolling was intensified in the area throughout the night to prevent further escalation or fresh incidents.
Officials said the situation was eventually brought under control, though tension remained in the locality for several hours.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Majid Hussain, who reached the spot during the incident, questioned the police response and alleged delays in action.
He said that police failed to act in time despite rising tensions and people raising slogans. He also claimed that locals were repeatedly informing police that the truck did not contain cattle.
Another political reaction came from spokesperson Amjadullah Khan, who accused cow vigilante groups of taking the law into their own hands.
He alleged that around 150 vigilantes blocked the road and stopped vehicles but police did not take timely action. He also criticised law enforcement for failing to prevent repeated incidents of vigilante activity.
