Youth held for lying about communal attack

Hyderabad, Nov 21 (INN): A small lie could have flared up serious communal tension in the city. Thanks to the timely investigation by the City Police, the lie was detected and a possible tragedy was avoided.

The South Zone police on Monday arrested Mohammad Junaid, who was admitted in the Osmania General Hospital claiming that he was stabbed by some unknown persons after asking his name.

Based on his statement, the police assumed that the stabbing was related to the communal incidents that were reported earlier this month.

Junaid, a resident of Chandulal Baradari, was admitted to the OGH by his relatives and neighbours after they found him with bleeding injuries near his house on Sunday night.

He told the relatives and police that he was beaten up and stabbed by some unknown persons who came on two motor-bikes after they asked his name.

The news of attack spread like wildfire and several political leaders visited the hospital to see him. Senior police officials also visited the hospital to record his statement.

Following the incident, the City Police intensified frisking operation in the entire city and several business establishments, especially in the Old City, were closed by 10 pm. Some youth from the Old City were also picked up on suspicion.

However, finding some contradictions in Junaid's statement, senior police officials enquired into the matter and quizzed Junaid again.

On Monday morning, Junaid confessed that he lied about the incident and the wounds on his body were self inflicted using a blade.

Addressing a press conference at Police Commissioner's Office in Purani Haveli on Monday, DCP South Zone Manish Kumar Singh exposed Junaid's lie which could have sparked a major trouble for the city.

Junaid, a plumber by profession, used to pay about Rs 3,000 to his family every month. However, this month he has spent the money himself and in order to avoid payment, he weaved the story of communal attack.

Junaid, who was produced before the media, said that his only intention was to escape payment to his family and avoid answering as to where he has spent the money

However, the City Police has booked a case and slapped section 153 (A) against him for trying to incite hatred among two communities.

The DCP has warned that serious action would be taken against those who try to disturb the peace and harmony in the city.

He said those involved in spreading rumours will also be booked under the serious sections like 153 (A). He appealed to the people not to believe rumours and inform the police about rumour mongers.

While the press conference was going on in the Commissioner's Office, the activists of Bharatiya Janata Party led by A Narendra staged a dharna alleging that the police was harassing innocent youth of the majority community. Narendra also demanded dismissal of City Police Commissioner AK Khan.