Sexual assault case leads to targeted attack on Muslims’ properties in Asifabad : Valley Vision

Tension erupted in Jainoor, Telangana’s Asifabad district, on Wednesday after a mob of 2,000 people began attacking properties belonging to the Muslim community. The violence was triggered by allegations that a Muslim man had sexually assaulted a tribal woman in the district.

Videos circulated on social media show the mob freely targeting shops in the market with no local law enforcement officials in sight.

Videos also show the mob setting commercial establishments on fire and pelting stones at mosques.

The violence occurred during a bandh called in protest against the sexual assault incident.

According to a report by Siasat Daily* the mob was reportedly backed by some local right-wing organization leaders, which fueled the violence.

An auto rickshaw driver from the Muslim community allegedly sexually assaulted a woman from a tribal group last week. A case was registered under the SC/ST Act for attempted rape, attempted murder, and murder.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi appealed for peace, stating that nobody should be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

“I have spoken to Telangana DGP regarding incidents of communal disturbances in Jainoor, Asifabad District, the Telangana DGP assured me that it is being monitored and additional forces are being send and action will be taken against people who take law in their hands,” said Owaisi.