Hyderabad Police arrested 11 individuals on January 19 in connection with communal violence that erupted in the Puranapool area of the Old City. The arrests followed a thorough probe involving CCTV footage analysis and technical evidence, stemming from incidents that began late on January 15 and escalated tensions between communities.

The trouble started around 11:30 pm on January 15 when an unidentified man allegedly entered the Mysamma Temple at Puranapool Darwaza, damaging a flex banner and a small Plaster of Paris idol placed in the temple veranda. Authorities clarified that the main shrine and primary idol remained untouched. The vandalism quickly inflamed local sentiments, drawing crowds to the site.

In retaliation, a group reportedly formed an unlawful assembly and vandalised a nearby Chilla/Mazar belonging to another community. Provocative communal slogans were allegedly raised during the act, severely disrupting public order and harmony. When police arrived to restore calm, some individuals clashed with officers, injuring four policemen. The situation was eventually controlled with reinforcement deployment.

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Separate FIRs were registered for the temple damage, Mazar desecration, and assault on police. The temple vandal was arrested within 24 hours on January 16. Continued investigation using surveillance footage led to the identification and arrest of 11 more accused—including men and one woman—believed to have participated in the unlawful assembly and Mazar attack.

All have been remanded to judicial custody, with police actively pursuing absconding suspects. In response, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar ordered intensified security across the Old City. Patrolling, flag marches in sensitive zones like Kamatipura and Bahadurpura, and strategic pickets have been deployed to prevent recurrence.

Political reactions poured in, with AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Telangana BJP President Ramchandra Rao visiting the spot. The BJP criticised the ruling Congress Government for failing to safeguard the temple, while police urged all communities to maintain peace, shun rumours, and cooperate with authorities.

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