45 protesters nabbed for Secunderabad violence

HYDERABAD: A day after an army aspirant died in police firing during violent protests over the Agnipath scheme, railway police arrested 45 youths, who trooped into Secunderabad railway station and turned it into a battle zone on Friday. Those nabbed on Saturday after scouring CCTV footage had come to the city from different districts of Telangana.
The railway police, which is leading the investigation, promised more arrests while zeroing in on the role of private coaching centres in instigating violence. Crucial evidence, including audio clips and whatsapp messages collated from cell phones of accused, are leading cops to masterminds, including coaching centre owners, who gave a call to arms. The trail points to rabble rousing and mass mobilisation through social media. Videos of violent protests in Bihar and others states were also shared in these whatsapp groups.
Police sources said, few coaching centre owners and trainers were taken into custody by railway police. Some of these centres are in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad police and North Zone police have been assisting railway police in identification and arrest of suspects. “We have picked up trainers and coaching centre owners. After interrogation, they will be made accused,” a police officer told TOI.

The 45 accused have been booked for attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, rioting, voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons, mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage, trespass and violation of The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Meanwhile, Gopalapuram police registered two criminal cases against unknown protesters for damaging two TSRTC buses near Secunderabad railway station on Friday. Gopalapuram inspector Sai Eshwar Goud said, protesters smashed window panes of buses outside the railway station. “The accused were booked for unlawful assembly and under Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act,” he said