Bhim Army president Chandrashekhar Azad suffered injuries on Wednesday after his car was attacked by armed men in Deoband area of Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Shots were fired at Azad's convoy when it was passing through the Deoband area.
A bullet brushed past Azad's waist and he was rushed to the government hospital for treatment.
Police sources told PTI that the assailants sped away from the spot following the attack. Police are investigating the matter.
"The convoy of Chandrashekhar 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," ANI quoted SSP Dr Vipin Tada as saying.
Chandrashekhar Azad had gone to Deoband attend a 'terhavi' ritual at a supporter's home. The attack occurred when Azad left the spot in his SUV.
Hundreds of Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party supporters gathered at the hospital and additional security personnel were deployed.
Bhim Army has demanded immediate arrest of the accused and strict action. RLD MLA Madan Bhaiya said Azad was out of danger and treatment was going on.
"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," ANI quoted Azad as saying.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav compared the law and order situation in the state with "jungle raaj".
"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.
Castigating the Yogi Adityanath-led government over the law and order situation, Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav said the opposition in Uttar Pradesh was now the target of both the government and the criminals.
"The morale of the criminals in the state is so high that the chaotic elements have started breaking all their limits and boundaries. The opposition in UP is now the target of both the government and the criminals. The deadly attack on Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar is an alarm for the hollow law and order situation in the state. Wake up government!" Yadav tweeted.