Hate speech: Akbaruddin Owaisi arrested by Nirmal Police

Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi was finally arrested on Tuesday in a hate speech case.

Earlier in the day, Owaisi was subjected to medical tests to ascertain is he was fit to face questioning.

A team of doctors at the government-run Gandhi hospital conducted more than 10 tests on Owaisi today. As per the medical report, Owaisi has adhesions and hernia in the abdomen and a bullet in right thigh pressing on sciatic nerve.

While it is not yet certain whether the doctors have given their go ahead, Owaisi is being made to wait at the hospital even as the police – reportedly – mull over their next move. The MIM MLA in Andhra Assembly is at the hospital since around 11 am.

As per reports, he may be directly taken to Nirmal town in Adilabad (200 km from Hyderabad), where one of the FIRs against him has been lodged.

Meanwhile, Owaisi’s supporters reportedly attacked vehicles outside Gandhi hospital. Many areas of Old Hyderabad are tense.

Owaisi has moved the High Court, seeking orders to restrain police from arresting him and also to quash cases booked against him in various police stations over his alleged hate speeches.

Hours after Owaisi, who returned from London early Monday, cited ill-health and sought four days' time to personally appear for questioning before police in Nirmal town, the investigation officer visited the MIM leader's house to ascertain his condition.

Police in Nizamabad had also directed Akbar to appear before them on Tuesday in connection with a similar case in that town.

In his petition, Owaisi also sought directions to police to stop registering cases. He argued that cases can't be registered in many police stations over his one or two speeches.

He alleged that a section of media telecast only part of his speech and police booked cases due to pressure from media. He also claimed that his political rivals were filing series of complaints. The petition will come up for hearing on Jan 9.

The main opposition BJP and its frontal organizations meanwhile continued their protests against Owaisi in various parts of the state. A shutdown was observed in Nirmal, where prohibitory orders were imposed.

BJP workers took out a rally in Nirmal and tried to lay siege to the police station where Owaisi's lawyers was meeting the police officials. Police have arrested some protestors.

BJP staged protests at various places in Hyderabad, Adilabad, Nizamabad and other districts, demanding immediate arrest of the legislator. The protestors set afire the effigy of the MIM leader.

Meanwhile, MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said now that his brother is back in Hyderabad, he would appear before the appropriate authority.

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-IANS