Residents of Mubarak Mohalla in Kempaiah Block of Munireddypayla under J.C. Nagar police limits, had a rude shock on Thursday. The otherwise calm residential colony was suddenly abuzz after news broke out that five residents of a three-storey residential apartment were arrested for their alleged links with terrorist organisations. Driven by curiosity, hundreds of locals were thronging the house till evening.
Munireddypalya is known for communal harmony. Even though the area has more Muslim population, there are several Hindu temples and till now, no incident of communal clash has been reported from here. But Thursday’s incident has sent shock waves among the locals. According to the locals, the five youths who were arrested by the police, were living in the area since the last five years, but kept to themselves and rarely interacted with others in the locality. Neighbours say they would see them only when the youths stepped out to head for work or when they returned home. Locals also said the youths were regular in attending daily prayers at a local mosque.
According to Mr Narasegowda, a shopkeeper, all the youths were well-groomed, well educated and gentle in their approach. “They used to come to purchase groceries like eggs, vegetables, etc. All of them were soft-spoken and well mannered. In last five years, no one in this area has seen them behaving rudely,” he said. He also had a word of appreciation for Matiur Rehman Siddiqui. “He was a very talented youngster and has indepth knowledge about day-to-day happenings. It was evident when he was speaking to his roommates who used to come to shop together,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, a resident of the same locality, said it is hard to believe that these youths were involved in anti-national activities. “You can ask any one in this area. No one has seen any suspicious activities in their rented house. No one even saw any suspicious persons visiting their house. They were very religious and peace-loving youngsters,” he added.