Hyderabad has tightened security for the Muharram procession happening on Sunday, known as the Day of Ashura. On Friday, which marked the 8th day of Muharram, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner C V Anand visited Bibi Ka Alawa in Dabeerpura. He offered flowers and checked the security arrangements personally.
Hyderabad Deccan is known for its significant Muharram traditions. The notable ‘Bibi-ka-Alam’ draws many people, with several gathering at various Ashoorkhanas where alams are displayed. Each year, thousands of Shia Muslims join a mourning procession, starting from Bibi-ka-Alawa and moving to Masjid-e-Ilahi in Chaderghat.
Commissioner Anand mentioned that around 3,000 police officers will be on duty to maintain peace during the Muharram events on the 9th and 10th days. He appealed for public cooperation and emphasized the importance of traffic and safety measures. He stated, “Extra police have been brought in, and traffic is being managed by the Traffic DCPs.”
He warned about potential thefts and misbehavior during the processions but assured that crime units and She Teams are on alert, with some arrests already made. Various departments, including GHMC, R&B, HMWSSB, TSSPDCL, and health services, have completed their preparations.
An important update is the arrival of an elephant named Lakshmi on Friday night. This elephant, from Sri Karibasava Swamy Mutt in Horapete, Karnataka, will lead the Bibi-ka-Alam procession. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and MLC Riyaz ul Hasan Effendi arranged for Lakshmi’s transport after the initial plan to use a Delhi elephant was canceled due to permission issues. The Telangana Forest Department denied the request to transport the elephant from Delhi, citing welfare concerns, so no rehearsals occurred this year.
