Vikarabad Salon Attack

Hyderabad, July 16, 2025 – The Telangana High Court has intervened in the case of a caste-based attack on a salon owner in Vikarabad, ordering police protection for Feroz Khan, who was targeted for running a beauty parlour despite not belonging to the traditional barber caste.

Justice T Vinod Kumar, hearing Khan’s petition, upheld his right to carry on any occupation under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, and directed the police to ensure his safety.

The incident occurred on June 21, 2025, when a mob, allegedly led by local resident Ramesh and others, attacked Khan’s salon located in the BTS Colony, Vikarabad. The group reportedly objected to Khan operating the business on casteist grounds, claiming he was a “non-mangali” and thus had no right to run a salon.

Despite Khan lodging a police complaint the same day, he claimed that no protective action was taken. Instead, he continued to receive threats that disrupted his ability to operate the business.

In response, the High Court issued strict directions to the police, ordering them to:

Provide police protection to Khan and his business premises for at least one month.
Conduct patrols every three hours during business hours, with a logbook maintained for each visit.
Continue the investigation into the June 21 attack and take appropriate action against the culprits.

The government pleader informed the court that police had dispersed the mob on the day of the incident and had registered a case under Crime No. 251 of 2025.

The ruling has been welcomed by civil rights activists, who see it as a necessary step to uphold the right to equality and freedom of profession, regardless of caste. The case also reignites discussions about caste-based discrimination in employment and social mobility in rural Telangana.

Khan, speaking to local reporters, said he hoped the High Court’s intervention would help him run his business in peace and serve his customers without fear.

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