Petty issues involved youth taking shape of communal clashes in Bhainsa

ADILABAD: Petty incidents involving youths from different groups are repeatedly escalating into communal clashes in Bhainsa town, which again saw clashes two days ago.

The trigger seems to be rash driving of bikes during which minor accidents occur. Another issue is with youth revving their bikes and creating a racket, which enrages the opposite group.

It is said that a motorbike accident and altercation between two bike riders of different groups resulted in clashes between two communities.

In January, an altercation between the youth over bike noise had resulted in clashes.

It is learnt that leaders of the BJP and the MIM had recently exchanged heated words on social media over the incidents. They had levelled allegations against each other over plot ventures that are coming up in Bhainsa. This had raised the tension between the two groups and formed the backdrop for the incidents of March 7 night at Zulfikargalli.

However, it was for the first time that some persons stabbed a reporter of a Telugu channel who was covering the clashes.

Police have stopped internet services within a 5 km radius of Bhainsa to control messages regarding the communal clashes from spreading on social media and shops remained closed on Tuesday. Police top officials warned people against spreading false information.

The poor and daily wage labourers were the worst-affected by the clashes, as they are unable to go out and earn for their meals. Normal life has been affected for the last two days and people have remained indoors.

Adilabad superintendent of police Vishnu S. Warrier who is incharge SP for Nirmal, and other senior police officers camped in Bhainsa. Nirmal collector Musharaff Ali Farooqui visited Bhainsa on Monday and took stock of the situation there.