Hyderabad, Oct 21, :- In a bid to clarify the circumstances surrounding the police lathi-charge during the recent protests at Muthyalamma Temple, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand urged the public not to believe misleading narratives circulating on social media. His statement comes in the wake of public outcry regarding police actions that resulted in injuries to several demonstrators.
Commissioner Anand released a series of videos on platform X, aiming to present an alternative perspective on the events that unfolded. While initial reports suggested that the police had unnecessarily escalated the situation, the videos depict a different scenario, showing protesters exhibiting aggressive behavior, including hurling footwear and attacking police personnel.
In one of the released videos, a group of demonstrators, some armed with sticks, can be seen aggressively advancing toward the police line. They are shown throwing footwear and furniture at officers, including women constables. The footage captures instances where footwear strikes an Inspector General (IG)-rank officer and several other police personnel in the head and face.
As the situation intensified and the unruly mob attempted to breach the police barricades to reach a place of worship, law enforcement officials found themselves with no alternative but to order a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The police stated that despite repeated warnings, the protesters did not comply with their instructions, necessitating the use of force to restore order.
The clash resulted in injuries to fifteen police officers who were on duty at the temple during the protest. Commissioner Anand emphasized the importance of refraining from spreading narratives that aim to demoralize the police force and mischaracterize their actions as unwarranted.
In his appeal, Anand reiterated the need for public understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining peace and order, especially in situations involving heightened tensions.
