Hate speech case: MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi arrested

Hyderabad, 08 Jan 2013, (PTI): Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, facing multiple cases for his alleged hate speech, was today arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police.

 

Owaisi, who was subjected to medical examination at the Gandhi Hospital here for his fitness status, is expected to be taken to Nirmal town in Adilabad district, where a case was registered against him for the alleged provocative speech.

 

He arrived from London yesterday and had sought four days to appear before the police on medical grounds.

 

He was also booked under relevant sections of IPC by Nizamabad and Osmania University police here for the alleged hate speeches.

 

As he failed to appear before Nirmal Police on health grounds yesterday, investigating officer of Nirmal (Rural) A Raghu visited Owaisi’s house in Banjara Hills here last evening and found that he looked fit to face questioning, police sources said.

 

However, Owaisi complained of internal pain and hence was subjected to medical examination by government doctors at Gandhi Hospital today.

 

After getting the medical report, police decided on his arrest, they said.

 

It was still not clear whether he would be produced before a magistrate in Hyderabad or taken to Nirmal town.

 

Police was tight-lipped about the future course of action as they fear it may create law and order problem.

 

As the news of his arrest spread, hundreds of MIM workers and his supporters gathered in front of Gandhi Hospital. Police had a tough time in controlling the protesters and preventing them from gatecrashing into the hospital.

 

Police have already intensified security arrangements in the city, particularly in Old City -- a stronghold of MIM -- by deploying additional forces as a precautionary measure.