From the very beginning, BJP candidate for Hyderabad Madhavi Latha, who became a surprise choice of the party without any political activity, has been locking in one after another controversy. More than intensified poll campaign in the sensitive Hyderabad old city, she seems to be attempting to be on news always with `provocative’ and `offensive’ statements against sitting MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

Even before formally launching her campaign, she started declaring herself she is winning the seat and defeat of Owaisi is certain in her hands. Now, she has been booked for hurting religious sentiments after she was caught on camera gesturing ‘shooting an arrow’ at a place of worship during her election campaign.

She was seen shooting an imaginary arrow in the direction of a mosque. The video went viral on social media, following which a resident of Hyderabad lodged a complaint against her on Sunday.  

According to the complainant, Madhavi Latha made a gesture of drawing an arrow and shooting it at the place of worship during a Ram Navami procession on April 17, hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community.

The case was registered on April 20 under Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code, they said. The matter has also been taken to the Election Commission.

Her gesture drew flak from Owaisi too, who said the arrow was targeting the peace and tranquility of the city. “You saw that one candidate of the BJP is gesturing to shoot an arrow in the direction of a mosque. If you even feel a little bit of pain, you should vote not for the sake of the party but for that ‘ibadatgah’ (prayer house). If you keep sleeping even now, when will you get up,” he said.

However, she clarified that the complaint filed against her was ridiculous. “This is ridiculous. If I were to be against Muslims then why would I participate in Hazrat Ali Saab ka Juloos that took place on Ramzan. I have distributed food to many people with my own hands,” she said.

“On the occasion of Ram Navami…for a Dhanush that didn’t exist, for the Teer (arrow) that didn’t exist, and for the reaction of the teer coming out that wasn’t there, they made a false video of mine…They have made an allegation and registered an FIR…”, she added.