“Soft Hindutva Politics by Telangana Police Under Revanth Reddy Is Dangerous for Telangana” — AUK

“Soft Hindutva Politics by Telangana Police Under Revanth Reddy Is Dangerous for Telangana” — Amjed Ullah Khan Hyderabad: Amjed Ullah Khan, Spokesman of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), strongly condemned the alleged attack on two Muslim youths from Hyderabad’s Old City at Rallagadda Doddi in Shamshabad and said that the continued failure of the police to prevent communal attacks and protect minorities reflects a dangerous trend in Telangana. Amjed Ullah Khan said that the alleged attack on Mohammed Wahed Ahmed, 25, S/o Mohammed Irshad Ahmed, and Mohammed Hyder Khan, 26, S/o Mohammed Feroze Khan, who had gone to Rallagadda Doddi, Shamshabad, to work as electricians, is extremely disturbing. The two youths were allegedly attacked by a group of around 20–25 anti-social elements and sustained serious injuries. They are presently undergoing treatment at Osmania General Hospital. Mr. Khan said it is even more alarming that after escaping from the alleged attackers, the injured youths reportedly approached the local police station seeking assistance but were allegedly denied proper help. He demanded that senior police officials investigate not only the attack but also the alleged failure of the local police to provide immediate protection and assistance to the victims. Amjed Ullah Khan alleged that “soft Hindutva” is being played by the Telangana Police under the political direction of Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, and warned that such a policy is extremely dangerous for the peace, communal harmony and social fabric of Telangana. He said the Chief Minister also holds the Home portfolio, making him directly accountable for the functioning of the police and the overall law-and-order situation in the State. Mr. Khan said that since Revanth Reddy became Chief Minister, there have been, according to MBT's compilation of complaints and representations, more than 50 incidents involving alleged communal attacks against Muslims and Muslim institutions. He said MBT has repeatedly brought such incidents to the attention of the State Government and senior Congress leadership. Despite numerous representations to Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Sri Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (MP) and other senior AICC leaders, Mr. Khan said there has been no visible correction in the government's approach towards the deteriorating law-and-order situation and the alleged targeting of Muslims. “Congress leaders at the national level have repeatedly spoken about secularism, constitutional values and protection of minorities. But if the Congress government in Telangana is perceived to be following a different path, it will not only damage the confidence of minorities but also seriously harm the Congress party's political credibility across India,” Mr. Khan said. He warned the Congress leadership that if corrective measures are not taken immediately, the consequences could extend beyond Telangana and create serious difficulties for the INDIA alliance in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He urged the Congress high command to take cognisance of the situation instead of waiting until public confidence is further eroded. Mr. Khan particularly questioned the absence of foolproof security measures in the Shamshabad area, despite repeated incidents and complaints involving alleged attacks on Muslims. He demanded that the Hyderabad police identify vulnerable areas, increase patrolling, monitor the activities of habitual offenders and anti-social elements, and ensure that citizens travelling to Shamshabad for employment are able to do so without fear. He demanded that the latest attack on Mohammed Wahed Ahmed and Mohammed Hyder Khan be investigated impartially, that all persons found responsible be booked under appropriate provisions of law, and that the alleged refusal of police assistance be examined by senior officials. Amjed Ullah Khan further said that law and order cannot be selective and the police cannot afford to act differently based on the identity of victims or accused persons. Every citizen has an equal right to protection under the Constitution. Mr. Khan appealed to the Chief Minister and senior police authorities to take immediate corrective measures, restore public confidence and ensure that communal elements and anti-social groups are not allowed to operate with impunity. “Telangana has a long tradition of communal harmony. Political considerations must never be allowed to compromise law and order. The government must act before the situation worsens,” Amjed Ullah Khan said.