Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan suffers bullet injury after shot at in UP's Saharanpur

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan was shot at by unidentified assailants in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening. Azad was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Initial reports suggest that two bullets were fired at the Bhim Army chief's car, one of them grazing Ravan.

In a statement to the police, Azad said, “I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred.”

He had gone to attend a 'terhavi' ritual at a supporter's home. The attack occurred when Azad left the spot in his SUV.

Saharanpur SSP Dr Vipin Tada said that the Ambedkarite activist's convoy was fired at by a few car-borne armed men.

“Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandra Shekhar Azad was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter,” the officer said.

Hundreds of Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party supporters gathered at the hospital where additional security personnel were deployed.

Photographs of an injured Azad were shared from his Facebook account, urging the police to take strict action against the culprits and provide security to the activist.

"The murderous attack on Bhim Army Chief and National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad in Deoband of Saharanpur is a heinous act of stopping the Bahujan Mission Movement!"

"We demand urgent arrest of the accused, strict action against them and security for national president Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad!"

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack on Azad and compared the law and order situation in the state with 'jungleraaj'.

"When the people's representatives are not safe in the BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public?" the Samajwadi Party chief asked.