Fish Waste Row Sparks Tension During Durga Festival in Hyderabad
Two women face charges after allegedly dumping fish waste near a community feast during the Durga festival in Hyderabad's RK Puram.
What was meant to be a period of spiritual celebration and community service turned into a legal battle in Hyderabad's RK Puram. Tensions flared during the Durga Matha Navarathrulu festival at the Sri Pochamma Maisamma Jayadurga Devalayam after an incident involving the dumping of waste near a sacred community food distribution site, leading to the registration of an FIR against two women.
The Incident at the Devalayam
The confrontation took place on October 14, 2026, at approximately 1:20 PM. According to the official complaint, the temple was hosting an Annadhanam programme—a traditional community feast where food is distributed to devotees and the needy. However, the sanctity of the event was disrupted when water mixed with fish scales was allegedly poured from a nearby building onto the area where the food distribution was occurring.
The formal complaint was lodged by Muntha Ramesh Yadav, a 46-year-old businessman and resident of SV Officers Colony in RK Puram. Yadav identified the accused as Noorjahan, 30, and Shainbiya Bibi, 86, who reside in a building opposite the temple.
Allegations of Long-term Harassment
The dispute appears to go beyond a single isolated event. In the First Information Report (FIR No. 876/2026), Muntha Ramesh Yadav alleged that such provocative acts have been happening for the last 10 years. He claimed that the two women have consistently sought to mock Hindu traditions and hurt religious sentiments.
According to the complainant, when he questioned the women about the fish waste, they did not apologize but instead responded dismissively and challenged him. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that members of the temple association have been subjected to threats by the duo.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Following the complaint, the Neredmet Police Station took immediate action. Inspector of Police A. Venkataiah has registered a case against Noorjahan and Shainbiya Bibi. The police have invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Section 196(2): Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion.
- Section 299: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
- Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation.
- Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
The investigation into the matter has been entrusted to SIP S Sai Avinash, who will further probe the allegations of long-term harassment and the specific events of the festival day.