AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said that 3-4 rounds of bullets were fired upon his vehicle as he was heading to Delhi after an election-related event in Kithaur, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking to news agency ANI, the Hyderabad MP said that two people near Chhajarsi toll plaza fired three or four rounds of bullets at his vehicle, puncturing the tyres. Owaisi's convoy had four cars, he said.
According to ADG Prashant Kumar, Hapur Police is investigating the matter and scanning CCTVs of nearby areas. Police is also recording statement of eyewitnesses. Investigation is on.
"I request the Election Commission to order an independent inquiry into this shooting incident. It is the responsibility of the UP govt and Modi govt to conduct an independent inquiry. I will also meet the Lok Sabha Speaker on this matter. Police have informed me that weapons have been recovered and one shooter has been taken into custody," Owaisi told reporters about the developments on the incident.
In a tweet in Hindi, Owaisi said that there were 3-4 people at the scene when the shots were fired. All of them ran away, and left their weapons there, he said.
“We were at the toll gate and had slowed down when we suddenly heard three-to-four rounds of gunshots. My car also got some dents and a tyre got punctured,” he later told reporters.
“I urge the EC to ensure an independent probe into the incident. It must be known who is behind this incident. It's also an appeal to the Modi government and the Yogi government,” he added. Read More
Hapur Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhuker said one accused involved in the episode has been arrested and police are confirming the details of others and their motive.
“We are also finding out how they planned this (shooting). Since the incident took place at the toll plaza, we are also checking the CCTV footage available there. Police teams have been deployed and very soon others involved in the episode will also be held,” he told reporters. The officer said the investigation was at the preliminary stage and other facts and details would be shared as and when available.
The AIMIM chief's brother and Telangana assembly MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi reacted to the incident:
