Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen was attacked today by MLAs and followers of the Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), a Hyderabad-based Muslim political party, during a book release function in the city.

Led by MIM MLAs Afsar Khan, Ahmed Pasha Quadri and Mozam Khan, the protestors stormed the Press Club, where Taslima had gone to release Chellu ku Chellu, the Telugu version of her controversial book Shodh, and began hurling chairs, flower pots, books and whatever else they could lay their hands on.

Taslima, who received minor injuries, was rescued by mediapersons. Police reached the spot and took the attackers, including the MLAs, into custody.

MIM president Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi defended his party MLAs. “When the Bangladesh government has shunted Taslima out of the country, why is the Indian government protecting her?” he asked.

Akbaruddin Owaisi, MIM’s leader in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, said his party was not worried about the case against its MLAs and activists. “She brought disrespect to Islam and we taught her a lesson,” he said.

The attack began as soon as the function got underway. Taken aback, people present there formed a protective cordon around the writer. Escorted out, she later left for Kolkata.

Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy described the attack as “a barbaric act” and said the attackers would be punished.