The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has alleged instances of custodial violence, unlawful detention, and discriminatory policing during the May 9 unrest at Almaspet Circle in Kadapa district, according to a fact-finding report released on Sunday.
In its report titled “Selective Justice: Detention, Torture, and Religious Targeting”, Association for Protection of Civil Rights claimed that police action during the incident showed “selective enforcement” and disproportionately affected members of the Muslim community.
The unrest reportedly broke out in Almaspet Circle over competing demands to rename the area as either “Tipu Sultan Circle” or “Hanuman Circle”, amid tensions linked to the installation of unauthorised banners. The report states that the situation escalated after such displays were put up despite earlier municipal discussions favouring the “Tipu Sultan Circle” name.
APCR alleges that at least 25 Muslim minors were detained and assaulted without adherence to juvenile justice safeguards, while 22 Muslim individuals were allegedly held for up to three days without warrants and subjected to custodial assault. The organisation further claims that serious non-bailable charges were filed predominantly against Muslim accused, while others involved were booked under comparatively lenient provisions.
The fact-finding report also alleges that police conducted lathi charges in Muslim-majority localities even after crowds had dispersed, and that several detainees reported custodial torture, intimidation, and denial of due process. APCR says its findings are based on field visits, witness testimonies, interviews with affected families, and review of FIRs and remand documents.
The organisation further argues that the official portrayal of the incident as a routine “clash between two communities” overlooks what it describes as patterns of selective policing and discriminatory prosecution. It also criticises local authorities for failing to anticipate or defuse tensions linked to the naming dispute and for not acting against provocative mobilisation in advance.
Calling for accountability, APCR has demanded an independent judicial or magisterial inquiry into both the violence and subsequent police action. It has also urged a review of cases involving minors under juvenile justice standards, forensic examination of CCTV footage and official records, and disciplinary action against officials accused of custodial violence or bias.
The group has additionally called for legal aid, medical support, and protection for victims and witnesses, stressing that equal application of law is essential to restoring public trust and communal harmony in the region.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public response to the allegations.
