Community members face repeated attacks from right-wing groups. Victims allege planned violence, while locals question the government’s silence
HYDERABAD – Tensions gripped the city on Tuesday night (10 June) as Muslim youth were attacked near a hotel in Raidurgam neighbourhood in the HITEC City, by men allegedly linked to a right-wing outfit. The attackers, armed with sticks and swords, not only beat the young men but also forced them to chant the Hindutva slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
According to eyewitnesses and locals, the assault appeared to be well-organised and deliberately timed, coinciding with Eid-Al-Azha (Bakrid) celebrations.
“They came to the hotel around midnight, shouting slogans. First, they vandalised the paan shop. Then, when they saw Muslim boys sitting nearby, they ran towards them and started hitting them with sticks,” said a hotel worker who requested anonymity.
The injured victims were from the Shaikpet area and had gone to the hotel to meet friends. Some managed to escape, but others were caught and beaten badly.
“They told us to shout ‘Jai Shri Ram’. When we refused, they beat us harder. One of my friends is still in the hospital,” said one of the injured youth, who asked not to be named.
As news of the attack spread, locals rushed to the site and raised slogans against the attackers. Many held the state government and police responsible for failing to prevent such incidents.
“This was not a random fight. It was a clear attempt to spread fear among Muslims. The attackers were looking for Muslims specifically,” said Abdul Sattar, a resident of Shaikpet.
Community leaders and youth are demanding swift and strict action. They blamed the rising influence of extremist Hindu groups and the lack of action from the government.
“We want to live in peace. Why should we be beaten for our religion? What is the government doing?” asked a visibly emotional father of one of the injured boys.
The Raidurgam attack was not the first of its kind. On 8 June, too, a Muslim auto driver transporting cattle was assaulted in the Attapur area. Members of a group calling itself ‘Kathar Gau Raksha Dal’ stopped the vehicle, beat the driver, and stole his cash and mobile phone. They also damaged his vehicle.
In another disturbing incident in Jallipalli, miscreants burnt a truck carrying animal waste on the day after Bakrid.
“These incidents are not isolated. Muslims in Hyderabad are being targeted one after another. What is going on in this city?” said Mohammad Imran, a youth activist in Attapur.
During the Attapur incident, violence escalated when two groups clashed at the scene. When the police arrived, members of Hindu outfits allegedly threw stones at the officers, injuring at least three policemen.
“The attackers were not scared of even the police. They pelted stones and ran away. What message does this send?” asked a retired schoolteacher in Mailardevpalli.
The Cyberabad police claimed they took immediate action, arresting more than 25 individuals linked to the Attapur and Mailardevpalli violence. A special investigation team has been formed to track down those involved in the Raidurgam attack.
Yet, public confidence remains low.
“Arresting some people is not enough. These groups have political support. They should be banned,” demanded Mehmood Ali, a local Congress worker.
Locals and activists allege that the attackers belong to known right-wing organisations, some of which operate openly in Hyderabad with links to larger Hindutva outfits.
“If Muslims had done even one-tenth of this, they would have been in jail forever. But these men roam free,” said Ayesha Fatima, a college student from Toli Chowki.
With each new incident, anger is growing across Hyderabad. Muslim residents, secular Hindus, and social activists are all questioning the role of the state government, particularly the silence of top officials.
“The Telangana government has failed to control hate. There’s no strong message from the top. This silence is giving power to these violent groups,” said social worker Farooq Hussain.
Even though Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s government came to power with promises of protecting minorities, the recent surge in hate crimes has raised serious concerns.
“We voted for change. We got silence,” said an elderly resident of Old City’s Charminar area.
Despite the rising attacks, some groups are trying to bring calm and unity. Hindu and Muslim residents in some areas have come together to condemn the violence.
“These attackers don’t represent us. We are neighbours and friends. This city belongs to all of us,” said Ravi Prasad, a shopkeeper in Mehdipatnam.
Several community leaders are planning a peace march in the coming days, hoping to prevent more violence.
The attacks have left many Muslims afraid to step out at night, especially those who work as drivers or delivery workers.
“My brother drives a van at night. Every time he leaves, we worry. What if he doesn’t come back?” said Shaista Begum, a housewife in Rajendra Nagar.
There are calls for better protection for vulnerable groups and for the police to act without bias.
“If the police do their job, we wouldn’t be talking like this. We need justice, not promises,” said Bilal Qureshi, a student leader.
Many residents and activists feel that the incidents in Hyderabad are part of a larger pattern of growing intolerance in the country. They are urging national leaders, human rights groups, and the media to take notice.
“If this can happen in Hyderabad, where will it stop? The government must wake up before it’s too late,” said human rights lawyer Rahmatullah.
With repeated hate crimes and little political response, Hyderabad’s Muslims are left questioning their place in a city they have always called home.
“This is our city. We will not leave. But we will also not stay silent,” said a young man, showing the bruises on his back.
The recent incidents in Hyderabad have shaken the city’s image of peaceful coexistence. While some groups are working for harmony, others are trying to spread hate and fear. As attacks on Muslims rise, the need for justice and unity has never been more urgent.
