Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad, who suffered a bullet injury during an attack on his SUV in Saharanpur on Wednesday, appealed to his supporters to remain calmed and maintain peace.
"I did not expect such a sudden attack. I want to appeal to my friends, supporters and workers across the country to maintain peace. We will continue our fight Constitutionally...I am fine with the love and blessings of crores of people..," he said at the hospital where he has been treated.
Azad had a narrow escape after some armed men attacked him in Deoband area of Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh in which he suffered a bullet injury. In the initial videos, the window panes of Azad's car were seen broken. The assailants fired "four shots" at his SUV when he was leaving Deoband. The police said four accused involved in the attack on Azad were arrested and manhunt for other miscreants is underway.
Aazad (36) had gone to attend a 'terhavin' ritual at a supporter's home there. The incident occurred at around 5 pm near Union Circle under the Deoband Police station area.
"Police received a phone call about the incident and a police team rushed to the spot. The police team and his supporters took the injured to the nearby Community Centre from where he was referred to the district hospital," Senior Superintendent of Police of Saharanpur Vipin Tada said.
"The crime scene has been examined by a forensic team. As per preliminary findings, four shots were fired at Aazad's vehicle. The assailants are said to be four or five in number," said the SSP, adding no complaint has been received.
Superintendent of Police (City) Abimanyu Manglik said the assailants were in a car and opened fire on Azad's SUV from the right side. "A bullet grazed his abdomen. He has been admitted to the hospital and his condition is stable."
Soon after Aazad, the chief of the Aazad Samaj Party, was admitted to the district hospital his supporters from nearby areas began gathering there and demanded Z+ security for him.
The police deployed additional force near the facility to tackle any situation even as officials at the state police headquarters said Director General of Police Vijay Kumar sought a detailed report from the Saharanpur police.
According to police, the vehicle used by the assailants carried a Haryana registration number. "The borders of the district have been sealed and a massive operation to track the assailant and their vehicle has been launched," said Manglik, the SP city.
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