Case against 10 protesters opposing tree felling near KBR park

Hyderabad: An FIR has been registered against protesters opposing the ongoing tree felling near KBR National Park for the proposed flyover project, even as activists alleged unlawful detention and intimidation by the police.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Banjara Hills police station detained five protesters who were part of the “Save KBR” campaign. According to police officials, the protesters were allegedly obstructing ongoing work and threatening contractors at the site.

However, activists denied the allegations, claiming that the protest was peaceful.

“Around 3 am, they were detained and taken to the police station, and their phones were taken away. When other volunteers reached, they were made to wait for hours until the station in charge arrived, only after 10 am,” said Ali Abbas, a member of the Save KBR group.

Abbas further alleged that when volunteers questioned the officers about the detentions, police personnel confiscated more phones from those present at the station.

Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered against around 10 to 15 volunteers. The charges include Section 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (wrongful restraint), Section 324(4) (causing loss or damage to property), and Section 351(1) (criminal intimidation), along with Section 3(5), which pertains to common intention.

The protests have intensified in recent weeks over concerns about tree felling and ecological damage around the park area due to the proposed infrastructure project.