In a shocking incident, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Floor Leader in the state Assembly and Chandyangutta Legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi, along with his party MLA Ahmed Balala and Barkas Corporator Mansoor bin Mohammed Awaqui were left seriously injured and battling for life after being shot at on Saturday.
According to information coming in, the three elected representatives were battling for life at the Owaisi Hospital at Santoshnagar.
Initial information coming in suggests that the Legislators were attacked by one Mohammed Pahelwan and his associates near the Marhaba Hotel in Chandrayngutta.
Mr Owasi, along with his party MLA and the Corporator was undertaking a ‘Padayatra’ at the time he came under attack. Incidentally, before this attack, MIM Legislators move freely in the Old City with minimal security.
Reports say that the assailants first used swords and then fired on the Legislators after the MIM leaders retaliated. However, this is not yet confirmed.
Mr Owaisi received four bullet injuries, one on his chest and shoulder.
Doctors are believed to have removed the bullets and are trying their best to save his life.
The Legislators were rushed to the Owaisi Hospital, around 1.5 KM away from the site of the attack.
The city police have immediately clamped a security net in the Old City and additional forces have been rushed to meet any eventuality. Section 144 has been put in force.
Meanwhile City Police Commissioner AK Khan convened an emergency meeting with his officials. Mr Khan is believed to have ordered the police to immediately take all rowdy-sheeters under preventive custody.
A Red Alert has been sounded across the city.
Mr Khan has also ordered all police person stationed in the city to cancel their leaves and rejoin duty immediately.
Around 20 thousand police men were deputed to the old city, he added.
MIM party activists have been making their way to the Owasi Hospital and there is tension there since they are not being allowed inside the hospital.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy is expected to visit the Owaisi Hospital shortly.
He had also reviewed the situation with the Home Minister.