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By Prasad Nichenametla

Hyderabad: Communal tension has gripped north Telangana district Kumuram Bheem Asifabad after a Muslim auto driver was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape and murder a tribal woman.

Clashes erupted Wednesday at the district’s Jainoor town when a disturbed tribal community gave the call for a bandh. Police reported arson, stone pelting, and attacks on properties, shops and vehicles belonging to both sides. A place of worship was also purportedly attacked.

The district administration clamped a prohibitory curfew and the internet was also snapped in some areas to stop the spread of rumours and fake news. Over 1,000 police personnel have been deployed and flag marches conducted to bring the situation under control. The Rapid Action Forces (RAF) were also called in.

Adivasi organisations, including Tudum Debba, which works for tribal rights, are demanding justice for the tribal woman. BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay sought “unbiased action against the perpetrators” from the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government and the state director general of police (DGP).

The Karimnagar MP and former state BJP chief also condemned the incident in a post on X.

This story was originally published in theprint.in. Read the full story here.