The situation in several parts of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad remained tense for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday as violence spread to new areas despite heavy police bandobust and continuation of curfew in many parts of the Old City.
Police have taken 130 persons into custody in connection with the communal flare-up, which left one dead, 80 injured since Saturday. Scores of vehicles were also damaged.
Police commissioner, AK Khan, stated that the curfew imposed in 17 police station limits on Monday had been extended to eight more areas of Afzalgunz, Begumbazar, Shahinathgunz, Tappachaputra, Asifnagar, Mangalhat, Kulsumpura and Habibnagar on Tuesday. He said the curfew would be relaxed for some time on Wednesday if the situation remained under control.
Osmania University has postponed degree, MBA and MCA examinations scheduled from Wednesday. The 10th class examinations in 140 centres in the Old City area have also been postponed.
The issue rocked the Assembly today, the last day of the Budget session. Chief minister K Rosaiah convened a meeting of the floor leaders of all parties to review the situation. The Centre has rushed 18 companies (1,800 personnel) of paramilitary forces for restoring law and order.
Leaders of different political parties, including that of the ruling Congress, have alleged that there was a 'conspiracy' behind the eruption of communal strife. The police commissioner had also earlier said that the violence was engineered.