Orders issued for Akbaruddin Owaisi's arrest in Bihar

Patna: Orders for the arrest of controversial AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi on the charge of using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in Kishanganj district of the state were issued on Wednesday, police said.

"Modi is a zalim (tyrant) and shaitan (devil) and responsible for the 2002 Gujarat riots," Akbaruddin Owaisi - a legislator in Telangana and younger brother of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi - allegedly said at an election meeting.

"Arrest orders have been issued against Akbaruddin Owaisi and he will be arrested soon following an FIR lodged by the election commission against him," Kishanganj Superintendent of Police Rajiv Ranjan said on Wednesday.

According to the FIR against Akbaruddin Owaisi, his speech could be described as one promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion. The lawmaker also used abusive language against all members of parliament, except his elder brother Asaduddin Owaisi, a police officer said. He was also accused of making provocative remarks against BJP leaders.

AIMIM is contesting in Muslim-dominated constituencies in Seemanchal region of Bihar, comprising Kishanganj, Purnea, Araria and Katihar districts that account for 24 of the state assembly's 243 seats.

Muslims account for 16.5 percent of Bihar's 105 million population.