Old City normal after protest over Akbar's arrest

Mild tension prevailed near Mecca Masjid when supporters of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen tried to take out a rally after Friday prayers in protest against the arrest of MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi.

As soon as the Friday prayers were over, a group of youngsters came out of the Mecca Masjid while holding a banner carrying a picture of Akbaruddin Owaisi. They were raising slogans in favour of MIM and against the police. They tried to move towards the Laad Bazar side while continuing slogan shouting. However, they were obstructed and pushed back by the police.

However, some youngsters hurled stones from inside the mosque premises in which glass panes of a police vehicle were damaged. Three people were reportedly injured due to stone pelting although this was not confirmed by the police. A few teargas shells were fired to disperse the agitation mob.

Meanwhile, the elders from the Muslim community rushed towards the agitating youth and successfully convinced them to disperse.

After about an hour, the normal traffic was restored on the Charminar Road and shops and establishments too reopened.

According to Charminar ACP Rammohan Rao, the situation has been peaceful and completely under control. He said that the police would continue to maintain its vigil in the Old City although it does not apprehend any trouble.