Andhra Pradesh Police begin questioning Akbaruddin Owaisi in hate speech case

Hours after his arrest, police in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh tonight began questioning MIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi in one of the cases related to alleged "hate speech" filed against him there.

After being taken into custody from Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad earlier in the day, the 42-year-old legislator was brought to Nirmal town in Adilabad, about 200 km from here, amidst heavy security at around 9.45 pm, police said.

"The MIM MLA was brought to Nirmal police station after his arrest. His statement is being recorded by the Investigating Officer at the police station," Adilabad SP Sarvashresta Tripathi told PTI over phone.

Asked when Owaisi would be produced before a Magistrate, Tripathi said, "The Investigating Officer will take a call on it as the process of police inquiry is still underway. It is a legal process. The Investigating Officer will decide about it."

Three MIM MLAs and Owaisi's counsel accompanied the the leader, who returned from London yesterday, to Nirmal town.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the town to maintain law and order in view of the MIM leader's arrest.

Additional security forces have been deployed in Hyderabad and Adilabad as a precautionary measure.

Owaisi, who was subjected to medical examination at the Gandhi Hospital here for his fitness status, was straightaway taken under high security in a convoy of cars to Nirmal town.

Owaisi, the floor leader of his party in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, is facing a case against him in Adilabad for alleged provocative speeches regarding the disputed Bhagyalakshmi shrine in the Charminar area.

Complaints have been filed against him in regard to the same speeches in various police stations in Hyderabad and other parts of the state.