AP ready to apologise to those harassed purposely post blasts

Reacting to the demand raised by Majlis Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi during Question Hour in the State Assembly today, the Chief Minister also promised to extend necessary financial assistance to youths who were implicated in the blasts-related cases.

"We are also concerned about innocent youth, not only Muslims but also anyone. We are ready to apologise unconditionally if any youths were deliberately harassed by police," Kiran said.

He, however, noted that the police would book cases against anyone as part of the duty and based on the circumstances. The government would extend financial assistance to the youths, implicated in the cases and subsequently acquitted, to lead a normal life.

Earlier, Akbaruddin strongly demanded that the government apologise to Muslims as the educated youths were falsely implicated in the blast-related cases. "Had it not been for the CBI investigation, it would not have been established that the Mecca Masjid blast was the handiwork of Hindu organisations. Though 100 Muslim youths were acquitted in the case, their future has been pushed into jeopardy as they lost employment opportunities," he pointed out.

Leader of Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu supported Akbaruddin's contention and wanted the government to pay compensation to the harassed youths.

Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy said the government was awaiting report of Justice V Bhaskara Rao Commission, that was probing into the police firing and other incidents following the Mecca Masjid blast.

"Based on the inquiry report, we shall initiate action against police officers if they are found guilty of wrong doing," Sabita said.