‘Point-blank’ row: Asaduddin Owaisi files complaint against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma; says video promotes religious enmity

HYDERABAD: AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, on Monday, submitted a complaint to Hyderabad police commissioner V C Sajjanar, seeking action against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in response to a widely circulated controversial video allegedly posted from the Assam BJP's X handle. Owaisi posted a copy of the complaint on his X handle, tagging Sajjanar.

"A recent video posted on the X account of the Assam BJP on February 7, 2026, which was taken down a day later but remains available on social media, depicts Sarma as being armed with a firearm... and shooting them," Owaisi said in his complaint.

He added that imagery used in the video and statements such as "point-blank shot" and "no mercy", constituted a deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage the religious feelings of Muslims, promote hatred and ill will between religious communities, and incite communal violence.

"The video was posted online and was accessible across India, including within the jurisdiction of this police station," Owaisi said. Seeking action against the Assam CM, Owaisi informed the police commissioner that the video promotes enmity between religious communities. Hyderabad police officials said they are yet to register a case.

Owaisi referred to the Supreme Court judgement in the Shaheen Abdullah Vs Union of India case and said, "The court further directed that the police must take suo motu action in cases of hate speech even in the absence of a formal complaint, and that any inaction or hesitation would amount to a serious dereliction of duty."