Protesters vandalise shops, petrol pump during bandh in Hyderabad

Tension gripped parts of Hyderabad on Saturday (October 18, 2025) morning as groups of protestors went on a rampage during the Telangana-wide bandh, damaging shops, fuel stations, restaurants and other commercial establishments. The bandh was called by major parties to seek support for 42% reservation in local body elections and to mount pressure on both the Telangana government and the central government.

In Barkatpura, around 9.30 a.m., a group of BC leaders attacked a HP petrol pump, smashing glass panels and damaging display units. They also targeted a Bajaj Electronics showroom in Nallakunta and a tiffin centre nearby, pelting stones and forcing the businesses to close for several hours.

“They started with the Bajaj showroom in Nallakunta, then moved towards Raghavendra Tiffin Centre, and finally targeted the HP petrol pump located about 100 to 200 metres away,” said Kachiguda Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Y. Harish Kumar.

The protestors, part of a bike rally, reached the site and were seen forcing traders to shut shops along the Habsiguda–Tarnaka stretch, causing brief disruptions in traffic and business activity.

Despite the damage, no formal complaints were lodged with either the Nallakunta or Kachiguda police. Officers said normalcy returned by noon, with shops reopening and business activities resuming.

Police said the management of the Bajaj showroom informed them that they were unaware of the bandh and therefore did not wish to file a complaint.