A special court in Hyderabad’s Nampally was hearing the two cases filed against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi for allegedly delivering hate speeches

Akabaruddin Owaisi, Telangana MLA and the brother of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, has been acquitted in both cases of hate speech registered against him in 2012. The witnesses produced by the prosecution did not indict him for any speeches to provoke communal hatred.

A special court in Hyderabad’s Nampally was hearing the two cases filed against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi for allegedly delivering hate speeches.

The MLA was charged in Nirmal (formerly the Adilabad district) and in Nizamabad in 2012 under the Indian Penal Code for ‘criminal conspiracy’ and ‘promoting enmity between two groups based on religion’, among other charges.

The prosecution had pitched its case based on the Forensic Scientific Laboratory (FSL) report, which confirmed Akbaruddin’s voice in video footage of the speech.

Following his acquittal, Asaduddin Owaisi tweeted: “Alhamdulilah Akbaruddin Owaisi has been acquitted by MP/MLA Special Court in two criminal cases against him for alleged hate speeches. Grateful to all for their prayers & support. Special thanks to Advocate Abdul Azeem sb & senior lawyers who provided their valuable assistance.”

Alhamdulilah Akbaruddin Owaisi has been acquitted by MP/MLA Special Court in two criminal cases against him for alleged hate speeches. Grateful to all for their prayers & support. Special thanks to Advocate Abdul Azeem sb & senior lawyers who provided their valuable assistance

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) April 13, 2022

The younger brother of Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Assadduddin Owaisi has denied the allegations made against him. Over 30 witnesses were examined in each case. Akbaruddin Owaisi was even jailed for 40 days before he was granted bail.

Several policemen, including a Telangana cadre IPS officer, Amber Kishore Jha (then the DSP of Nirmal), who is presently on a deputation in Ghaziabad, were also deposed in support of the prosecution.

Police presence was increased in nine sensitive areas. Senior police officials monitored the situation at Charminar, Mecca Masjid and the Chandrayangutta Assembly constituencies represented by Akbaruddin.

Task force personnel were deployed to various parts of the old part of Hyderabad. Fearing clashes, security was tightened in the old city ahead of the verdict today.