PHOTOS: Communal clash breaks out in Hyderabad, 4 die in police firing, prohibitory orders enforced

Hyderabad: Four persons were killed on Wednesday at Sikh Chowni in Kishanbhag area of Bahadurpura after communal clashes broke out over alleged burning of a religious flag leading police to open fire to quell the mob. The incident took place after a religious flag of Sikhs was set ablaze on Tuesday night. City Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma told reporters, "There was an incident of rioting between two groups and right now, the situation is totally under control. We are ensuring that it does not have any other and further repercussions," he said. "We are ensuring that there is peace and tranquillity in the city. Patrolling vehicles are on the move to maintain law and order. We will ensure that no (such) further incidents take place," he said. Two persons lost their lives and at least seven people, besides a few police personnel, were injured in the incidents. But it was not immediately clear whether the two persons were killed in police firing following the clashes in the old city area. "At least two are dead in the incidents. We are awaiting the autopsy report (to know whether they are killed in firing or in clashes)...but there has been police firing, there is no doubt about that," said Andhra Pradesh Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) V S K Kaumudi. Large number of security forces have been deployed, including three companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF), two companies of Andhra Pradesh Special Police, in addition to city police personnel, in the troubled areas, Kaumudi said. Although the police confirmed two death, locals alleged four persons were gunned down by the cops. Tension gripped parts of old city here following clashes between the two communities following which additional forces were rushed there. The police have enforced prohibitory orders in the troubled areas. Some members of the two communities allegedly indulged in pelting each other with stones and also attacked vehicles and houses. There were also reports of arson. State Governor E S L Narasimhan reviewed the law and order situation at a meeting with senior police officials.