Mohammad Junaid, who was admitted in hospital for being stabbed, had lied that he was attacked by some persons after they asked him his name.
A small lie could have flared up serious communal tension in the city, but thanks to timely investigation by the City Police, the lie was detected, and a possible tragedy avoided.
The South Zone police on Monday arrested Mohammad Junaid, who was admitted in the Osmania General Hospital claiming that he was stabbed by some unknown persons after they asked him his name.
Based on his statement, the police assumed that the stabbing was related to the communal incidents that were reported earlier this month.
Junaid, a resident of Chandulal Baradari, was admitted to the OGH by his relatives and neighbours after they found him with bleeding injuries near his house on Sunday night.
He told his relatives and the police that he was beaten up and stabbed by some unknown persons on motor-bikes, after they asked him his name.
The news of the attack spread like wildfire, and several political leaders visited the hospital to see him. Senior police officials also visited the hospital to record his statement.
Following the incident, the City Police intensified frisking operation in the entire city. Several business establishments, especially in the Old City, were closed by 10pm. Some youth from the Old City were also picked up on suspicion.
However, finding some contradictions in Junaid's statement, senior police officials enquired into the matter and quizzed him again.
On Monday morning, Junaid confessed that he had lied about the incident, and that the wounds on his body were self-inflicted, using a blade.
Addressing a press conference at Police Commissioner's Office in Purani Haveli on Monday, DCP South Zone Manish Kumar Singh exposed Junaid's lie. Junaid, a plumber by profession, used to pay about Rs 3,000 to his family every month. However, this month, he spent the money on himself, and in order to avoid payment, he weaved the story of a communal attack.
Junaid, who was produced before the media, said that his only intention was to escape payment to his family and avoid answering questions on where he spent the money.
However, the City Police have booked a case and slapped section 153 (A) against him for trying to incite hatred among 2 communities.
The DCP warned that serious action would be taken against those who try to disturb peace and harmony in the city. He said those involved in spreading rumours will also be booked under serious sections like 153 (A). He appealed to people not to believe rumours, and also to inform the police about rumour-mongers.
During the press conference in the Commissioner's Office, activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party, led by A Narendra, staged a dharna alleging that the police was harassing innocent youth of the majority community. Narendra also demanded the dismissal of City Police Commissioner A K Khan. (INN)