Two cases filed against Akbaruddin Owaisi

Two separate cases have been registered against MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi for his alleged provocative speeches.

According to Director General of Police V Dinesh Reddy, two cases have been booked against Akbaruddin Owaisi under sections 121 and 153 A. He said since Akbaruddin Owaisi's speeches were delivered in Urdu, they were being translated and other relevant Sections would be added depending upon its content. He informed that the MIM MLA was presently in United Kingdom and the State Police would seek the help of Interpol, if required, to arrest him.

Earlier, following the directions of the IVth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, the Osmania University police station registered a case against Akbaruddin Owaisi for allegedly making provocative speech in Nirmal of Adilabad district on December 24. The directions were issued following a petition filed by one Venkatesh Goud.

Meanwhile, hearing another petition filed by practising advocate Kashimshetty Karuna Sagar, the VIIth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate on Thursday ordered that his statement would be recorded on January 7.

Kashimshetty, in his petition, had asked the court to file a case against Owaisi under Section 295A (for deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

However, arguing in the court on Thursday, Akbaruddin Owaisi's lawyer MA Azeem said that since the speeches were not delivered in Hyderabad, they do not fall under the jurisdiction of this particular court. But the petitioner contended that he watched the speeches in Hyderabad and therefore, he had the right to lodge a complaint with the city court.

The next hearing on this petition would now be held on January 7.