AP Clashes: FIR Filed Against 27 Muslims Over Almaspet Renaming Violence

A police inspector was critically injured during violent clashes in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, over the renaming of Almaspet Circle. The incident occurred on May 9, when tensions escalated between members of the Muslim and Hindu communities. The dispute centered on renaming the circle to "Tipu Sultan Circle," a demand raised by the Muslim community for over a decade. Meanwhile, a nearby temple committee had put up banners calling it "Hanuman Circle (Almaspet)." A large crowd gathered, leading to stone pelting and violence.

The FIR, filed by Inspector P Narasimha Raju, names 27 accused persons and includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, rioting with deadly weapons, promoting enmity between groups, and assault on a public servant. Inspector Raju sustained a severe head injury when a stone was allegedly hurled at him with intent to kill. He was rushed to a private hospital for treatment.

The conflict had been simmering for years, with the Muslim community sending multiple resolutions to rename the circle, but no action was taken by the district administration. The immediate trigger was an attempt by right-wing supporters to install a 30-foot Hanuman statue at the circle, which angered the Muslim community. Police used mild force, including a lathi charge, to control the situation, and Section 144 was imposed in the area.

Among the accused are leaders from political parties like the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The police have detained a few individuals involved in the violence, while others are still at large. The Superintendent of Police stated that investigations are ongoing and another FIR has been filed against Hindu miscreants involved in the provocation.