Two Muslim electricians from Hyderabad’s Old City were allegedly assaulted by a group of men in Rallaguda, Shamshabad, triggering a political row over minority safety and police response in Telangana.
Mohammed Wahed Ahmed, 25, and Mohammed Hyder Khan, 26, had gone to the area for electrical work when an argument with their neighbours allegedly escalated into an assault.
Both men sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Osmania General Hospital. Their condition was reported to be stable.
The incident has drawn criticism from the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), with opposition voices demanding strict action against those responsible.
Dispute Over Paint Box Led to Assault, Police Say
According to accounts of the incident, a box of paint accidentally fell onto a neighbouring house, triggering an argument between the electricians and local residents.
Shamshabad police said the incident involved an altercation between two groups and that two FIRs had been registered on the basis of complaints from both sides.
Speaking to South First, Shamshabad station house officer B Sanjeevulu said the dispute began after a box of paint fell on a neighbour’s house, leading to a fight.
Police declined to share further details, and the FIRs have not been made public.
However, another account of the assault alleged that around 20 men gathered during the confrontation and demanded that the two electricians chant “Jai Shri Ram” before attacking them.
The victims also alleged that they were assaulted with sticks. These allegations have not been independently established.
Parties Allege Police Failed to Help Victims
Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of MBT, alleged that the injured men managed to escape and approached the local police station but were denied proper assistance.
According to one account, the two subsequently approached another police station before being taken for medical treatment.
The victims’ families also alleged that police personnel were present during the assault but failed to intervene. They have sought action against those responsible and an inquiry into the police response.
Khan visited the victims and demanded that senior police officers investigate both the assault and the alleged failure of local police to assist them.
AIMIM MLC Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi also visited Osmania General Hospital and met the victims and their families.
He said police had assured them of a thorough investigation and strict action against the accused.
Khan accused the Telangana government of following what he described as “soft Hindutva” under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who also holds the Home portfolio. He argued that the chief minister was accountable for the state’s law and order situation.
MBT Claims More Than 50 Incidents
Khan claimed that, according to his party’s compilation of complaints and representations, more than 50 incidents of alleged communal attacks targeting Muslims and Muslim institutions had occurred since Reddy assumed office.
He also said appeals to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had failed to bring any visible change in the government’s approach.
In a post on X, Khan said the Congress’s position on secularism and minority protection nationally could be undermined if its government in Telangana was perceived to follow a different approach.
The MBT spokesperson sought protection for the victims and their families and demanded action against any police personnel found negligent.
The police account, meanwhile, describes the incident as a dispute between two groups and says cases have been registered based on complaints from both sides.
