Digital Desk: After bullets were fired at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s car last week while he was returning from campaigning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urges Asaduddin Owaisi to accept the central government’s offer of ‘Z’ category security protection.
“The government has chosen to offer ‘Z’ category security (with a bullet-proof) car to Owaisi, but he has rejected. I request him through the member of the house to accept the security.” Amit Shah said to the Parliament.
“Two unknown individuals opened fire on the motorcade. Owaisi was unharmed, although his vehicle had three gunshot holes in the lower parts. Three people witnessed the incident, and a First Information Report has been filed.” Amit Shah stated.
Further, Amit Shah said that in link with the incident, two persons had been arrested and police have recovered two pistols and seized a Maruti Alto car.
“The culprits are being interrogated... police have visited the scene.” said Shah stressing that law and order are in control in UP ahead of the state’s elections.
Blaming Owaisi for not informing of his movement in the poll-bound state, Amit Shah asserted, “No information concerning Owaisi’s movement was conveyed to the District Control Room beforehand. He has to inform the police before he visits any place, which he didn’t do it.”
Amit Shah’s appeal to Owaisi came after the AIMIM chief rejected the ‘Z’ security, the second-highest degree of protection.
“I don’t want security in the ‘Z’ category. I wish to be a citizen in the A-category. Why wasn’t UAPA used against those who shot at me?” Owaisi questioned, referring to the controversial anti-terror law, which the BJP-led government deployed disproportionately against Muslims.
“I would like to live and speak. When the poor are safe, my life will be safe. I’m not afraid of the people who shot at my car.” Last week, Owaisi stated in Parliament.
After evaluating the threat level following last week’s attack, which occurred only a week before elections in Uttar Pradesh, the government decided to equip Owaisi with ‘Z’ category security, which includes round-the-clock protection by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos.
Owaisi’s tweets revealed two bullet holes on his white SUV, while the third hit a tyre. Reportedly, the two people who were arrested in connection to the incident were sent to 14 days custody.
As per police reports, Sachin, who is accused of attempted murder in a separate case and claims to be a member of a Hindu right-wing organization, is one of the defendants. Photographs of Sachin posing with political leaders from Uttar Pradesh, including Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, have been recovered by the police.
Moreover, Shubham, a farmer from Saharanpur with no criminal background, is the other defendant.
Police also discovered country-made pistols and are currently looking for people who sold them.
Following the attack, Owaisi said, “larger personalities and minds” were behind the attack on his convoy, which has (predictably) sparked a tremendous political backlash.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has asked all poll-bound states’ Chief Secretaries to provide adequate safety to all political parties’ key campaigners.
Also Read: Goddess Lakshmi visited each house during covid-19 pandemic: Amit Shah in UP
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