Guntur: Introduction of Islamic banking, a ministerial post to a member from the Muslim community, setting up of Urdu Academy, exclusive corporation for Muslims, conservation of Wakf Board's properties, free transportation facility to students of Madrsas, scholarships and many others were the promises made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu to the Muslim communities across the State during his 2014 election campaign. Four years into his Chief Ministership, none of the promises have come to fruition. On August 28, several youth from the Muslim community displayed placards demanding implementation of these promises, at Chandrababu's 'Nara Hamara TDP Hamara' meeting here. Eight Muslim youth have been arrested and tortured by the police for protesting against the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief. Along with YSR Congress party (YSRCP) Minority Cell State Secretary Habibullah, the youth have been released on bail from the Guntur prison, 30 hours after the arrest.

Speaking to media after getting them released, the Muslim youth said that their arrests were against the democratic spirit of the nation. "We were ruthlessly beaten up for protesting in a peaceful manner. We have asked for implementation of the election promises," they cried.

After the youth displayed placards in the Chief Minister's meeting, they were dragged to Old Guntur police station by SB, Intelligence and the special party police. Later, they were shifted to Nagarapalem police station, where they were beaten up insensitively.

According to the youth, they were tortured in the police interrogation, in which they were questioned whether they were paid to lead the protests. "Where did you come from? Why did you come to Guntur? Who paid you? What are the names of Muslim associations in Nandyal?" the police asked. The youth said that they were not encouraged by anybody to lead the protests. They said that they visited the meeting voluntarily.

"Accept that it was the YSR Congress party leaders who have sent you to the meeting for protesting," the police ordered, it is learnt.

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