Hyderabad Erupts: Violent Protests and Vandalism Rock City During TSPSC Bandh

Hyderabad, a city usually bustling with life, was brought to a grinding halt and witnessed scenes of intense unrest as a state-wide bandh, called by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC), erupted into violence. The protest, aimed squarely at the alleged leakage of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) Group-I preliminary examination question paper, saw frustrated citizens and political activists take to the streets, culminating in distressing acts of vandalism.

The epicentre of the chaos was the iconic RTC Crossroads, where, around 11:30 a.m., a large and agitated mob converged.

What began as a passionate demonstration quickly escalated. Fueled by anger over the perceived injustice of the paper leak, protesters, representing TJAC, along with members from Congress, BJP, Left parties, and various student and youth organizations, turned their ire on commercial establishments. A petrol pump, a local grocery store, and a fast-food centre bore the brunt of their fury, suffering significant damage as glass panes were shattered and interior furnishings were vandalized.

The swift and decisive intervention of the Hyderabad City Police was crucial in containing the escalating situation.

Officers moved in rapidly to disperse the unruly crowd and apprehend those involved in the destruction. Among those taken into custody were prominent figures such as TJAC chairman Prof. M. Kodandaram, CPI State secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, and other key leaders, underscoring the serious nature of the incidents and the state's determination to maintain law and order.

The TJAC's demands are clear and unwavering: a comprehensive inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the TSPSC paper leak, and the immediate dismissal of TSPSC Chairman B.

Janardhan Reddy and all board members. They argue that the integrity of the examination system has been severely compromised, leaving thousands of aspiring candidates feeling betrayed and their futures uncertain.

The ripple effect of the bandh was felt across Telangana. Educational institutions, private offices, and numerous shops remained shuttered in various districts, painting a picture of a state on edge.

Public transportation, particularly TSRTC buses, largely stayed off the roads, although some private vehicles ventured out. A heavy police presence was deployed throughout the state, a stark reminder of the underlying tension and the authorities' efforts to prevent further untoward incidents.

This state-wide shutdown garnered substantial political backing, with major parties like the Congress and BJP, alongside Left parties, student unions, and youth organizations, throwing their weight behind the TJAC’s cause.

The Group-I examination, originally held on October 16, 2022, saw approximately 2.85 lakh candidates vie for 503 coveted posts. The alleged leak, involving a data entry operator from an outsourced firm and another TSPSC employee, has cast a long shadow over the entire recruitment process, igniting widespread public outrage and raising serious questions about accountability within the commission.