Asifabad/IBNS: A tribal woman's alleged sexual assault by an auto driver has triggered a communal tension in Telangana's Asifabad, media reports said.

On August 31, a 45-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by an auto driver after she got into the vehicle on her way to her mother's place.

The victim had raised an alarm after Sheikh Makhdhoom tried to sexually assault her.

Out of fear, the driver hit the victim with a stick and left her when she fell unconscious thinking her to be dead.

In reaction to the incident, several social media videos showed an angry mob targeting shops and throwing stones.

Thousands of people gathered in Jainoor supporting a bandh called by various tribal organisations.

They torched commercial establishments, attacked religious structures triggering communal tension in the area.

A case has been filed under the SC/ST Act with charges of attempted rape, attempted murder and murder.

Slamming the ruling Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) posted on X, "Politics of sympathy for minorities. Evidence of shameless Congress rule."

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi posted on X, "I have spoken to @TelanganaDGP regarding incidents of communal disturbances in Jainoor ,Asifabad District ,the @TelanganaDGP assured me that it is being monitored &additional forces are being send and action will be taken against people who take law in their hands"