Curfew continues in riot-hit old Hyderabad

Hyderabad, April 9 (IANS) The indefinite curfew in the riot-hit parts of the old city of Hyderabad continued without relaxation for the second day even as the situation remained peaceful.

According to police, no untoward incident took place in any part of the communally-sensitive old city, where alleged desecration of a place of worship triggered group clashes Sunday.

The indefinite curfew continued in Madannapet and Saidabad police station limits of the East Zone. A police officer said a decision on the relaxation or lifting of curfew would be taken later in the day after a review of the situation.

Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code would continue in the city till April 14

As a precautionary measure, the police has also banned pillion riding on motorbikes during night hours.

Deputy Commissioner of police, East Zone, Gangadhar said five persons were arrested in connection with Sunday's violence.

Earlier, Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy told reporters that 26 criminal cases were booked with regard to the violent incidents. She said some of those involved were identified.

The home minister said a Special investigation Team (SIT) would probe the communal violence.

Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy reviewed the law and order situation with Director General of Police Dinesh Reddy and Hyderabad and Cyberabad police commissioners.

The trouble began Sunday morning when two groups belonging to different communities clashed at Kurmaguda, after some pieces of an animal were found near a place of worship in Madannapet. Agitated over this, a mob attacked houses, shops and vehicles.

About 12 people were injured in stabbing, stone pelting and clashes Sunday.

With the violence spreading to other areas and the situation slipping out of control, the police imposed curfew.

Students attending class 10 and other examinations were exempted from the curfew. Officials said the exams passed off without any untoward incident.

Police continued to keep a tight vigil in the sensitive areas around the historic Charminar. Patrolling has been intensified and security has been stepped up around places of worship.

Meanwhile, the DGP has suspended three more police officials for "inaction" during the communal violence that broke out in Sangareddy town of Medak district on March 29. Earlier, one police officer was suspended.