An auto-rickshaw driver, identified as Sheikh Makhdhoom, allegedly attempted to sexually assault a female passenger of the ST Gond community on 31 August 2024. According to reports, the woman was waiting at the Jainoor bus stop when Makhdoom offered her a ride. During the journey, he allegedly tried to assault her. When she resisted and raised the alarm, he attacked her with a stick, leaving her unconscious by the roadside with the intent to kill her, and then fled the scene. Some reports suggest that Makhdhoom battered her so much that her face was smashed.
After regaining consciousness, the victim’s younger brother filed a complaint with the Sirpur U Police Station on 1 September 2024. A case was subsequently registered under the SC/ST Act for attempted rape and murder. DSP Sadayya Panthati led the investigation, resulting in the arrest of the accused on 3 September 2024.
Protests Turn Violent
On 4 September 2024, tribal organizations called for a bandh in Jainoor, condemning the alleged crime. Around 5,000 people participated in the protests, according to local media reports. The situation quickly escalated as angry mobs attacked and set fire to commercial properties. Protesters pelted stones at religious structures, further heightening communal tensions. Tribal rights groups also staged a rasta roko in Jainoor, demanding the death penalty for Makhdhoom.
As tensions spiralled, the district administration imposed orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, banning internet access in the area to prevent the spread of rumours and fake news. A senior police officer told PTI that additional forces have been deployed, and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been called to maintain order. The officer added that the situation is now under control, but investigations into the arson and violence are ongoing.
TELANGANA: After Sheikh Makhdoom sexually assaulted a Tribal woman and smashed her face brutally, a huge crowd of men from the Tribal Community attacked Muslim homes and businesses and allegedly, vandalised Mosques.
A thread of videos sourced from social media 🧵 pic.twitter.com/wlA9S3fy4V
— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) September 4, 2024
Clash Between Communities
The protests, initially organized to demand justice for the victim, soon turned into a clash between two communities. Agitated protesters attacked businesses and properties belonging to members of another community, leading to retaliatory violence. Shops were set ablaze, and stones were hurled at religious buildings, causing significant property damage.
Officials reported that the police had to intervene to control the unrest. “We have formed special teams to investigate the incidents of violence, and those responsible will face legal action,” a police officer stated, urging both communities to remain calm. Police arrested Makhdhoom and sent him to judicial custody.
Police Efforts To Restore Peace
The police, while assuring that Makhdhoom is in custody, are working to restore peace in the region. Senior officers are engaging with community elders to prevent further clashes. “We appeal to both communities to exercise restraint, as the accused has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing,” a senior officer said.
Owaisi Calls For Arrest Of ‘Violent’ Mob
AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed concern over the communal violence, writing to the Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) to address the situation. In a video post, he said, “I have spoken to Telangana DGP, and yesterday in Jainoor, a lady was assaulted, molested. This news I got, but whether the news is right or wrong, I will know later. I also came to know that an auto driver was arrested and jailed. Today the news I have heard is that some vandalism was attempted at a mosque. I am watching videos, but I don’t know if they are true. However, the DGP has assured me they are monitoring the situation and has sent additional forces. I am appealing for peace. I appeal to the Telangana government not to allow anyone to take law into their own hands. Whoever is indulging in violence must be arrested. It should not be so that anyone does what they wish – damaging motorcycles and houses. The rule of law must rule supremacy. A mob should not be allowed to do what they wish. The DGP has assured me, and I hope that the Asifabad SP will put the situation under control. Whoever is involved in this violence must be arrested immediately and jailed and get them punishment through courts.”
Asaduddin Owaisi's statement on the Asifabad Incident: Thoroughly downplays the sexual assault against the Tribal Woman.
It's really shocking how he says "Sahi hai, nahi hai, baad me maloom hoga." The accused has been arrested but he still says this! https://t.co/7XUtOq5QTa pic.twitter.com/SceiW959bB
— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) September 5, 2024
While Owaisi is not honestly acknowledging that a member of his community committed the crime, he wants to flash his victim card and pretend that Muslim homes and property are being ‘unjustly‘ targeted by a ‘mob‘. Imagine if the situation was reversed. What would have been Owaisi’s response? Would he appeal for peace and calm, call for justice, or instigate his community members to riot?
The victim is currently receiving treatment in a Hyderabad hospital while authorities continue their probe into the assault and the subsequent violence in Jainoor.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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