HYDERABAD: Seven legislators have urged the Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister to intervene in the aftermath of a communal incident in Banswada town of Kamareddy district on February 20, 2026.
In a representation dated February 23, 2026, they sought the immediate release of eight youths arrested in connection with the incident and a stay on further arrests. They also demanded compensation for shop owners whose establishments were damaged during the unrest.
Eight arrested under BNS sections after February 20 incident
According to the representation, Banswada police arrested eight youths at around 14.00 IST on February 21 under Sections 191(1), 191(2), 191(3), 196(1)(a), and 109 read with 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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The arrested youths were identified as Mohammed Azeem, Waseem Bari, Fasi, Shaheed, Rizwan, Mustafa, Adnan and Mukheem. The names of 17 others have also been included in the First Information Report (FIR).
The legislators stated that video footage of the incident shows that some of the youths present at the scene were not involved in any unlawful activity. They alleged that the arrests were based on "false implication" and sought their release.
Shopkeepers report losses up to ₹3 lakh during Ramadan
The representation said several shops were damaged during the riots, leading to financial losses, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
The affected establishments include fruit shops, pan shops, a flower shop, Swagat Hotel and Taj Family Restaurant. Reported losses range from ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000.
Among those listed as having suffered losses are Mohammed Ilyas, Mohammed Avez, Shaik Sohail, Shaik Moiz, Md. Saleem, Sayed Saddam Hussain, Shaik Azhar, Shaik Khadeer, Mohammed Imran Jamal and Mohammed Shafiuddin.
The signatories requested immediate sanction and disbursement of compensation to the affected shop owners.
The representation was submitted by Mohammed Mubeen, MLA Bahadurpura; Mir Zulfeqar Ali, MLA Charminar; Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala, MLA Malakpet; Kausar Mohiuddin, MLA Karwan; Mohammed Majid Hussain, MLA Nampally; Mirza Rahmat Baig, MLC; and Mirza Riyaz ul Hasan Effendi, MLA.
They urged the minister to direct police authorities to refrain from making further arrests of "innocent individuals" in connection with the incident and to ensure relief for those affected.