Clashes erupt in Gudimalkapur over ‘cattle transport’

Hyderabad: Tension prevailed in Gudimalkapur late on Saturday after a dispute over the suspected transportation of cattle escalated into violent clashes between two groups, leaving four persons, including two police personnel, injured and several vehicles damaged in stone pelting.The violence erupted on the busy Gudimalkapur road when a group of people stopped a DCM vehicle carrying plywood sheets on suspicion that it was transporting cattle. According to police, the driver was allegedly dragged out of the vehicle and assaulted by the group. The incident quickly drew the attention of local youngsters, who gathered at the spot and confronted the attackers, triggering a standoff.Within minutes, the confrontation turned violent as members of both groups allegedly resorted to stone pelting, creating panic in the area. Several vehicles parked outside nearby function halls were damaged in the attack, while commuters and shopkeepers ran for safety amid the chaos.Police personnel who rushed to the spot to control the situation also came under attack. According to V Tirupathi, ACP Kulsumpura, a constable and a home guard, sustained injuries during the stone pelting. So far, three cases have been registered under charges related to rioting, attack on police personnel, and damage to property. “We are receiving more complaints in connection with the incident. CCTV footage is being examined, and a few miscreants have been identified. Further identification is under progress. No arrests have been made so far,” the ACP said.As the situation threatened to spiral out of control, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Additional police forces were deployed in the locality to prevent the violence from spreading further. Senior officers rushed to Gudimalkapur and intensified security arrangements in the area. The clashes also disrupted traffic movement on the busy Mehdipatnam-Attapur stretch for some time before police restored normal flow.Following the incident, AIMIM Nampally MLA Majid Hussain Meraj staged a sit-in protest outside the office of the Golconda DCP, demanding strict action against those who allegedly attacked the truck driver and cleaner and damaged the vehicle.