Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 24 (ANI): BJP leader Sriramulu on Saturday alleged that a large number of Rohingyas have settled illegally in Hyderabad's Balapur area and claimed they are availing government benefits meant for Indian citizens, asserting that their deportation is the sole objective of the 'Dharma Rakshana Sabha' being organised there.

Speaking to ANI ahead of the event, Sriramulu said the programme was organised by Ganesh Utsava Samithi and is expected to witness a massive turnout.

'There are around 20,000 Rohingyas in Balapur. They are getting free water and electricity, and are also locally employed. They are looting our resources. They all have Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, ration cards, and are even getting 2BHK houses. We want to throw them out, that is why we have organised a Dharma Rakshana Sabha,' he said.

Claiming that more than 20,000 people would attend the gathering, he added, 'Our only demand is to arrest them and send them back.'

The remarks come after the Telangana High Court granted permission to conduct the 'Dharma Rakshana Sabha' at Balapur on Saturday and directed the police to provide security for the event. Advocate K Karuna Sagar, who represented the organisers, said the court allowed the programme after hearing arguments from both sides.

Explaining the purpose of the event, Karuna Sagar said the gathering aims to raise public awareness about alleged demographic changes and national security concerns. 'The main context of the 'Dharma Rakshana Sabha' is to sensitise the general public about the demographic changes and the national security threat posed by illegal immigrants coming from Bangladesh and Rohingyas crossing the international border and settling in Hyderabad, particularly in Balapur,' he said.

The advocate alleged that the state government had opposed granting permission, citing potential law-and-order issues. 'The state government informed the court that around 7,000 Rohingyas are settled in Balapur and that the settlement is just 500 metres from the proposed meeting place. They expressed apprehension of a law-and-order situation,' he said.

Karuna Sagar said that a formal complaint regarding the alleged presence of illegal immigrants was submitted on January 4, 2026, to senior police officials and the state administration. As no action was taken, the advocates planned to move the High Court against the government for inaction.

Calling upon citizens to participate in the event, he said the demand remains limited to identification, verification and deportation of illegal immigrants. (ANI)