Muslims call the gesture a strong message against hate and appeal for justice, transparency and protection of religious freedom
HYDERABAD — In a strong show of unity after a mosque was vandalised in Telangana, a Hindu businessman has come forward to support the repair of the damaged building, winning praise from the Muslim community and the locals.
The incident took place in Jalalpur village under Bommalaramaram mandal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. On 15 February, unknown persons entered the Jama Masjid and damaged parts of the structure. Worshippers discovered the incident the next morning when they arrived for prayers.
According to members of the mosque committee, walls were damaged, window panes were broken, washroom doors were destroyed and the microphone system was tampered with. Beer bottles were found inside the premises. Several copies of the Holy Qur’an were reportedly scattered in the compound.
Mohammed Saleem, president of the mosque committee, said, “We were shocked and hurt when we saw the condition of the mosque. This is a place of prayer. It should be respected by everyone.”
Three days after the incident, Rajendra Agarwal, Managing Director of Ram Conductors, contacted Amjad Ullah Khan, spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), and offered financial assistance for the repair work.
Agarwal later visited the mosque along with Khan and met the committee members. A video shared on social media showed Khan explaining the damage during the visit. After seeing the site, Agarwal handed over a cheque to the mosque committee and assured them of support for rebuilding the damaged boundary wall, doors and sound system.
Agarwal said, “An attack on a place of worship is wrong, no matter which religion it belongs to. We must stand together and protect peace.” He also assured the committee that he would provide further financial help if required.
Amjad Ullah Khan described the gesture as a powerful message. “Telangana has a long history of shared culture and brotherhood,” he said. “This act shows that ordinary citizens believe in unity and mutual respect. It is a clear reply to those who try to divide society on religious lines.”
He added that while some anti-social elements attempt to spread fear by targeting religious sites, responsible citizens are showing that hate will not succeed.
Khan also alleged that since the mosque was built in 2018, certain members of the local majority community had objected to it. He claimed that Muslims in nearby villages such as Bandakadepalli and Thumkunta earlier faced resistance when they tried to build a mosque. “Before 2018, the Muslim community had no proper place to offer prayers,” he said. “Even after construction, the imam has faced repeated harassment.”
He further alleged that last May, when a religious group visited the mosque, some local people pressured the police to send them back. He said objections were also raised over the use of a loudspeaker for the adhan (call to prayers).
Khan also claimed that possible evidence at the site was removed, which could have helped identify the culprits. “We want a fair and transparent investigation,” he said.
However, an officer from Bommalaramaram police station played down the communal angle. The officer said that beer bottles had been thrown into the premises and that the mosque had been cleaned. Police have registered a case against unknown persons under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 331(4) for house-trespass and damage, Section 329(4) for criminal trespass, Section 298 for damaging a place of worship, Section 324(4) for mischief, and Section 196 for promoting enmity on religious grounds. The investigation is ongoing.
Residents have welcomed Agarwal’s support. One villager said, “What happened was wrong. We want peace in our village. Helping to repair the mosque is the right step.”
For many in Jalalpur, the attack caused fear and anger. Yet the response from a member of the Hindu community has given hope that communal harmony can prevail even after painful incidents.
As repairs begin, Muslim leaders say they will continue to seek justice for the vandalism while also strengthening bonds with neighbours from all communities. “We will not allow fear to take over,” Saleem said. “Our faith teaches patience, but it also teaches dignity. We want justice and we want peace.”
