Late Friday night, a large group of devotees in Asifabad voiced their anger against the police by gathering on the streets and chanting “Jai Shri Ram” for two hours. This happened during the Durga Mata procession when the police allegedly tried to seize the Durga Mata chariots at Bapunagar and Gandhi Chowk.
Locals accused the police of using inappropriate language towards women at Potti Sriramulu Chowk when the Brahmanwada Durga Mata Mandali arrived, which further fueled the devotees’ anger.
Despite CI Balaji Varaprasad‘s efforts to calm the crowd, they remained upset. ASP Chittaranjan then intervened, promising action against any misbehaving officers and urged everyone to continue the procession peacefully.
After receiving assurance from the ASP, the crowd dispersed. However, the police later confiscated the DJs’ equipment and warned women who objected that cases would be filed against them using video evidence.
Early Saturday morning, officers visited the homes of some protesters, summoning them to the police station. In response, the youth organized an all-party meeting for Sunday, inviting leaders from various groups. They also discussed the possibility of a city-wide shutdown if needed.
A petition was submitted to DCC President Vishwa Prasad, asking for the withdrawal of the cases and action against the officers involved in the disturbance. Meanwhile, CI Varaprasad announced that a case had been filed against five DJs and several others.
