7 hurt as violence erupts in Old City

Violence erupted in the Old City and the surroundings of Charminar as unruly mobs set afire some vehicles and indulged in stone throwing on Friday. Two media vehicles were also burnt by the mobs.

The police resorted to a baton charge and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob, which was pelting stones from the by-lanes of Charminar. The police said the situation has been brought under control. 

Seven people were hurt in the stone throwing, the police said. 

Additional reinforcements were rushed to sensitive areas around Charminar. 

The police has restricted entry into the sensitive area by erecting barricades at several places. 

Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy reviewed the situation with top police officials. She appealed to people maintain peace. 

The communally sensitive old city had been witnessing sporadic incidents of violence for the last

fortnight following a row over the Bhagylakshmi Temple abutting Charminar, which symbolises the historic city. 

Sakshipost