India: More demonstrations due in Hyderabad and Mumbai following rape and murder incident December 1, 2

Event

Civil rights activists have called for candle-lit vigils and marches in Mumbai (Maharashtra state) and in Hyderabad (Telangana state) on Sunday, December 1, and the Ranga Reddy Bar Association has called for a protest in Hyderabad (Telangana state) on Monday, December 2, to demand justice for the rape and murder of a 27-year-old woman whose body was found in Shadnagar, near Hyderabad, on Thursday, November 28. In Mumbai, participants are due to meet at 17:30 (local time) on Sunday at Our Lady of Health Church in Sahar Village (Andheri East). Later on the same day in Hyderabad, participants plan to gather at 18:00 at Peoples Plaza on Necklace Road. On Monday, members of the Ranga Reddy Bar Association plan to meet at 13:30 at the main entrance of the court building in Hyderabad. 

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near all demonstrations. Clashes between police officers and protesters cannot be ruled out. Further protests are anticipated in the coming days and weeks while the four men accused stand trial. 

Context

On November 28, the charred body of a 27-year-old woman was found in Shadnagar. Police officials have said that they are working on the assumption that the victim was raped before being murdered. Several thousand people protested outside the police station in Shadnagar on November 30, where the four men accused of the crime are being held, to demand justice.

Advice

Individuals in India, and in Hyderabad in particular, are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings due to potential violence, anticipate disruptions to transportation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.