TCN News
Following the violent unrest in Jainoor, a fact-finding team of social activists visited the Adilabad district and alleged that the incident was politically motivated. They are demanding the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the events and have called for the immediate removal of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and the suspension of the Superintendent of Police (SP) along with other officers for their failure to maintain order during the crisis.
On the afternoon of September 4, a mob of around 5,000 people from the Vaddara, Vanjara, and tribal communities of Jainoor and surrounding villages attacked and set fire to shops and establishments owned by the Muslim community. According to the fact-finding report, 11 houses, 95 shops and business establishments, 4 mosques, and 42 vehicles belonging to the Muslim community were burnt.
The violence erupted days after a Muslim auto-rickshaw driver was accused of raping and attempting to kill a tribal woman on August 31.
The fact-finding team, which visited the villages surrounding Jainoor on September 14 and 19, alleged that the violence was orchestrated by the BJP and its affiliates to target the Muslim community. The team comprised social activists including Sandhya (POW), Khalida Parveen, Sarah Mathews, SQ Masood, Prof. Padmaja Shaw, Adv. M Mandakini, Kaneez Fathima, and Ansar Sondhe.
The team stated that the communal tension between Adivasi and Muslim communities in the Asifabad district was a conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to target Muslims. They also alleged that the police failed to take preventive measures against threats to Muslims made by BJP leaders. The fact-finding report further states that no serious attempts were made by the government despite 20 days of violence. The state government also failed to take any action against the culprits.
The group of social activists expressed support for the survivor, who has been relocated to a government hospital and is currently recovering. They noted that the accused had surrendered to the police and was arrested just two days before the outbreak of mob violence.
“Therefore, the violence should not be seen as part of the rape case. There has been communal tension in Jainoor since May, and both cases should be investigated separately,” the activists told the media on Thursday.
“There were calls of ‘Hello Adivasi, Chalo Jainoor’ a day before the violence. Even common people knew this; how did the police not know?” the team questioned, claiming that the incident occurred due to a serious intelligence failure within the police department.
The activists expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to issue a strong statement condemning the violence. The team released a 14-point demand, urging the government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, establish peace committees in sensitive villages and towns, and form a National Integration Council in Telangana.
They also demanded the restoration of internet services and the appointment of an independent inquiry commission to investigate the case. The fact-finding team called for immediate reconciliation among communities, an independent inquiry into the incident, and accountability for police officers accused of dereliction of duty.
They found that the Deputy Superintendent of Police handling the case was biased and highly suspicious. On August 14, a large number of people were mobilized and held a rally despite being denied permission by the police. When the rally reached Jainoor, protesters, largely BJP and BRS supporters, started pelting stones at Muslim shops and raised “Jai Shri Ram” slogans, threatening shopkeepers that their shops would be burnt if they remained open.
The case of the alleged attempted rape and murder of a tribal woman by a Muslim auto driver was reported on August 31, 2024. The woman is currently undergoing treatment in Hyderabad and is recovering slowly. An FIR was registered, and the case was condemned by political and Muslim community leaders.
Taking advantage of this incident, BJP and BRS leaders started a campaign against the Muslim community by instigating the Adivasi community. They initiated a social media campaign, “Chalo Jainoor,” against Muslims, provoking other communities and framing it as an issue of Love Jihad. It was found that many news reporters played a key role in spreading misinformation through WhatsApp groups, which exacerbated the situation.
Locals allege that this is revenge politics because Muslims did not vote for the BRS. The BRS leader provided names to the police, resulting in the arrest of many Muslims. The police continue to target Muslim youth.
It was observed that the BJP, along with right-wing organizations, is working with a Hindutva agenda. The team demanded the immediate adoption and implementation of guidelines to promote communal harmony and the implementation of the Prime Minister’s 15-point program meant for minorities. “Checkposts should be removed, and the internet should be restored,” the report states.
The Fact-finding Committee has mailed the detailed report to the Chief Minister and are now seeking an appointment with the Chairperson of the Minority commission to ensure justice is done and no such incidents will not take place in the future.