Asaduddin Owaisi faces threat to life, has refused security: Amit Shah

In a statement in Parliament on Monday, home minister Amit Shah said two persons were arrested in the attack on AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh. He maintained that after a review it was found that there was a threat to Owaisi's life, and he was provided 'Z' category security, but he refused it.

"On February 3, 2022, at about 17:20 PM, Asaduddin Owaisi, MP, was returning to Delhi after completion of a public contact programme at Kithor, Meerut, in Uttar Pradesh. When his convoy was crossing Chhijarasi Toll Plaza, NH-9, Police Station Pilakhuwa, District Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, two unknown persons fired on his carcade. Owaisi escaped unhurt. However, three bullet marks were visible on the lower portion of his vehicle. The said incident was witnessed by three witnesses," Shah said.

An FIR, (crime no. 45/22, u/s 307 IPC and u/s 7 Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1932) was lodged in Pilakhuwa police station of Hapur.

Shah said Owaisi did not have any pre-scheduled programme in Hapur and neither did the District Control Room have any information about his movement. He said the incident site has been inspected by senior officials and the investigation is on. Two persons were arrested and two pistols (one from each of them) and an Alto car were recovered. The accused are being interrogated.

Shah said Owaisi has refused security several times in the past though there is a threat to his life.