Telangana: AIMIM leaders booked for disrupting GHMC encroachment drive in Hyderabad Old City
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Police have arrested AIMIM leaders accused in connection with a violent incident that occurred during a GHMC anti-encroachment drive at Murgi Chowk under Hussainialam Police Station limits. The incident, which took place on April 4, involved obstruction of polticians linked to AIMIM party and an alleged physical assault on duty police constable deployed to protect civic officials. According to police, on April 4, 2026, at around 10:15 AM, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials, assisted by police personnel from the Charminar Division, were carrying out an official drive to remove illegal encroachments from Lad Bazar to Puranapool. At Murgi Chowk, the accused identified as Sahil Akber, along with Ghouse (former corporator, AIMIM) and Rahmath Baig (MLC, AIMIM), allegedly formed an unlawful assembly along with several associates. Police stated that the group obstructed officials from discharging their duties and engaged in aggressive and intimidating behaviour. During the altercation, Sahil Akber allegedly used criminal force against Police Constable Dheeraj Tiwari by grabbing and pushing him. The accused also allegedly used abusive language against the public servants present at the scene. On the same day, BJP Telangana leader Tulla Veerender Goud criticised the law and order situation in the state, alleging that тАЬlawlessness is on full display in Congress-ruled Telangana.тАЭ He accused AIMIM MLC Mirza Rehmat Baig Qadri and others of behaving like тАЬstreet rowdies,тАЭ claiming they openly defied officials and police without fear of legal consequences, while also alleging that the Congress government remained silent due to vote-bank
In Hyderabad, the Hyderabad City Police have recently arrested several AIMIM leaders on charges related to a violent incident that took place during a Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) anti-encroachment drive at Murgi Chowk in the city's Old Hyderabad area. The incident occurred on April 4, 2026, when GHMC officials, accompanied by police personnel from the Charminar Division, were conducting an official drive to remove illegal encroachments from Lad Bazar to Puranapool.
At Murgi Chowk, the accused, identified as Sahil Akber, Ghouse (a former corporator from the AIMIM party), and Rahmath Baig (an MLC from AIMIM), allegedly gathered with several associates to form an unlawful assembly. According to the police, the group obstructed the officials from performing their duties and displayed aggressive and intimidating behavior. During the altercation, Sahil Akber allegedly used criminal force against Police Constable Dheeraj Tiwari by grabbing and pushing him. The accused also reportedly used abusive language against the public servants present at the scene.
The incident has drawn criticism from BJP Telangana leader Tulla Veerender Goud, who accused the AIMIM MLC Mirza Rehmat Baig Qadri and others of behaving like "street rowdies." Goud claimed that they openly defied officials and police without fear of legal consequences, while also alleging that the Congress-led government remained silent due to vote-bank politics. He further stated that lawlessness is on full display in the Congress-ruled Telangana and that BJP karyakartas face immediate arrests even during peaceful protests on public issues.
The arrest of the AIMIM leaders marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between different political parties in Telangana. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the GHMC in enforcing civic laws and the need for effective law enforcement to maintain order in the city. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the legal proceedings proceed and whether the accused face serious consequences for their alleged actions.
The situation in Hyderabad's Old City has long been a point of contention between various political groups, with encroachment and illegal structures posing significant challenges to urban planning and civic administration. The GHMC's anti-encroachment drive is an effort to address these issues and maintain the city's infrastructure and amenities. However, incidents like the one at Murgi Chowk demonstrate the obstacles the corporation faces in carrying out its duties, often resulting in confrontations with those who oppose such measures.
The involvement of AIMIM leaders in the incident has sparked debates about the role of political parties in such encounters. Critics argue that political interference often exacerbates tensions and hinders the smooth functioning of civic institutions. On the other hand, supporters of the accused maintain that they were merely defending the interests of their constituents and challenging unlawful actions by the GHMC.
The law and order situation in Telangana has been a matter of concern for several political leaders, with accusations of bias and selective enforcement of the law being leveled at the Congress-led government. The BJP, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism, pointing to instances where its own members face strict action, while others allegedly enjoy impunity.
As the case against the AIMIM leaders progresses, it will be crucial to see how the legal system handles the allegations and whether the accused are held accountable for their actions. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, law enforcement, and civic administration in urban areas, particularly in regions with a history of political tensions and communal divisions.
In conclusion, the arrest of AIMIM leaders in connection with the violent disruption of the GHMC anti-encroachment drive at Murgi Chowk highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the city's administration in maintaining order and enforcing civic laws. The incident has also sparked wider debates about the role of political parties in such encounters and the effectiveness of the law enforcement machinery in addressing allegations of lawlessness and selective enforcement of the law. As the case unfolds, it will be important to monitor how the legal system addresses these issues and whether the accused are held to account for their alleged actions.
