With Delhi witnessing violence and tension involving two communities, the Hyderabad Police have not only beefed up security across the communally-sensitive city but also made a fervent appeal for calm.

"Appeal to all citizens of Hyderabad. We have to remain alert and united to see that no mischief-maker tries to take advantage of the disturbing news from Delhi. Our Patrol cars and Bike patrols are your closest friends. Don't allow rumor-mongering. Take pride in our beautiful city," the official Twitter handle of the police said.

On his part, the social media-savvy KT Rama Rao, too, appealed for sanity. "Violence in National capital is a painful reminder to all of us Indians how hypersensitive and vulnerable a nation we are! Image of India and lives at stake and the world is watching us. Let’s sort out the difference in opinions with civility befitting the world's largest democracy," he wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Delhi has reached 17 on Wednesday morning. There was looting and torching of vehicles in several areas of the capital city on Tuesday.