'Will Continue To Fight Constitutionally': Chandrashekhar Azad Appeals For Peace After Being Shot At

The Bhim Army chief was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on his car in Deoband.

Chandrashekhar Azad's convoy was attacked in Saharanpur

Bhim Army president Chandrashekhar Azad said the party would continue its fight Constitutionally as he appealed to his supporters to maintain peace after being shot at by armed assailants in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur.

"I did not expect such a sudden attack. I want to appeal to my friends, supporters and workers across the country to maintain peace. We will continue our fight Constitutionally...I am fine with the love and blessings of crores of people," Azad said from his hospital bed. Doctors said his condition was now stable.

The Bhim Army chief was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on his car in Deoband. A bullet brushed past Azad's waist and he was rushed to the government hospital for treatment. 

"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.

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.

As per preliminary findings, four shots were fired at Aazad's vehicle. "The assailants are said to be four or five in number," Senior Superintendent of Police of Saharanpur Vipin Tada told PTI.

The vehicle used by the assailants carried a Haryana registration number. "The borders of the district have been sealed and a massive operation to track the assailant and their vehicle has been launched," PTI quoted Superintendent of Police (City) Abimanyu Manglik 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.