Owaisi Files Formal Complaint Against Assam CM Over Controversial Social Media Video
In a significant development, Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has lodged a formal police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The complaint, filed with Hyderabad Commissioner of Police V C Sajjanar, centers on a now-deleted social media video posted by the Assam Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Allegations of Deliberate Provocation and Communal Incitement
In his detailed complaint, Owaisi accuses the Assam Chief Minister of "deliberate and malicious acts of outraging the religious feelings of Muslims, promoting enmity between two communities, and making imputations which are prejudicial to national integration." The video in question, which was posted on the official X account of the Assam BJP on February 7 and removed a day later, reportedly depicts Sarma aiming a rifle at two men wearing skullcaps, with one resembling Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
Owaisi's complaint explicitly references the video's content, stating: "The said post and video with the imagery used in it and statements like 'point blank shot' and 'no mercy', is deliberate and malicious acts to outrage the religious feelings of Muslims, promote hatred and ill-will between religious communities and incite communal violence." He further emphasizes that the video was widely accessible online across India, including within the jurisdiction of the Hyderabad police.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
When questioned about the status of the complaint, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar confirmed to The Indian Express that authorities are actively reviewing the matter. "We are looking into the matter and will do the needful under the law," Sajjanar stated, indicating a formal investigation is underway.
The complaint also highlights a pattern of behavior, alleging that Sarma "has for the last several years, been continuously making statements against Muslim community through social media, print media, public speeches and other platforms." Owaisi asserts that many such speeches remain available in the public domain, contributing to ongoing tensions.
Broader Context and Political Implications
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened political and communal sensitivities in India. The video's imagery and associated captions have sparked widespread debate about the use of social media by political figures to propagate divisive narratives. Owaisi's legal action underscores the escalating tensions between political parties and communities, particularly in regions with significant minority populations.
The complaint not only targets the specific video but also calls attention to what Owaisi describes as a sustained campaign against the Muslim community. By filing the complaint in Hyderabad, Owaisi leverages his local political influence to challenge actions originating from Assam, highlighting the national ramifications of such content.
As the investigation proceeds, this case is likely to fuel discussions on:
- The ethical responsibilities of political leaders in digital communication.
- The legal boundaries of free speech versus hate speech in India.
- The mechanisms for addressing inter-state political disputes through law enforcement.
The outcome of this complaint could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially influencing both political discourse and social media regulation in the country.
