There was mild tension at Shahalibanda on Friday afternoon after former corporator and BJP leader A Jitendra engaged in an argument with police when they attempted to halt the procession and stop the band.
In order to facilitate namaz at the historic Mecca Masjid, the police stopped the procession at the Rajesh Medical Hall junction.
In spite of this, the BJP leader argued with police officials and questioned them.
The police attempted to explain the reasons, but the BJP leader and his supporters refused to listen. As the prayers had culminated at the Mecca Masjid, the police allowed the procession to proceed.
The procession is being monitored by senior police officials In processions, hundreds of idols were carried to Hussain Sagar lake in the city center, as well as to dozens of other lakes nearby.
Balapur, on the southern fringes of the city, was the starting point for the main procession. About 20 km will be covered, passing through the old city and other parts of the city to reach Hussain Sagar, where elaborate arrangements have been made for immersion.
It is claimed that this is the largest immersion gathering after Mumbai, with several tributary processions joining the main procession.
The day coincides with Friday prayers, so police have made additional security arrangements, especially in the communally sensitive old city.
As the main procession passed through the historic Mecca Masjid and Charminar, policemen and members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed.
25,000 policemen, dog squads, anti-sabotage teams, and armed special squads were deployed by the Hyderabad police. Drone patrols and closed circuit cameras are being used for monitoring. Cybercrime police and IT teams monitor cyberspace.
Prayers at Mecca Masjid concluded around 1.30 p.m., and the crowd dispersed. Religious scholars urged people to keep the peace and pray near the homes of community members.
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