Hyderabad

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday filed a formal complaint with the Hyderabad City Police, seeking criminal proceedings against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a video—since removed from social media—that he alleged contained violent and communal imagery targeting Muslims. Owaisi described the content as “genocidal hate speech.”

In a post on X, Owaisi said he had submitted the complaint to the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner, alleging that the video depicted Sarma symbolically firing at individuals portrayed as Muslims. “I have lodged an official complaint with @CPHydCity demanding criminal action against Himanta Sarma for his now-deleted violent video showing him shooting Muslims. Sadly, genocidal hate speech has become routine,” he wrote.

Owaisi also shared a copy of the complaint, stating that expressions and visuals used in the video—such as phrases like “point blank shot” and “no mercy”—were designed to hurt religious sentiments, fuel communal animosity, and provoke violence.

As per the complaint, the video was uploaded on February 7 from the official X handle of the Assam BJP and removed the following day. However, Owaisi claimed that the clip continues to circulate on other digital platforms. He further argued that constitutional obligations require law enforcement agencies to take suo motu action in instances of hate speech, even in the absence of a formal grievance.

The AIMIM chief had also raised the issue at a public meeting in Zaheerabad on Sunday while campaigning for the Telangana municipal elections scheduled for February 11. Moving beyond local civic concerns, he framed the matter as a broader question of dignity and communal harmony, accusing the BJP of promoting divisive narratives and calling on voters to strengthen AIMIM as a counter to communal politics.

Addressing supporters, Owaisi cited AIMIM’s relief efforts during episodes of violence in areas such as Jainoor and Medak town, alleging that both the Congress and BRS administrations failed to respond adequately. He emphasised the importance of municipal elections in ensuring effective local governance and appealed to voters to support AIMIM candidates for inclusive development and strong grassroots representation.

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The Telangana municipal elections will be conducted in a single phase on February 11, with vote counting scheduled for February 13.