Activists of NGO Act Now for Harmony and Democracy (ANHAD) — including founder Shabnam Hashmi, sister of playright-activist Safdar Hashmi — were roughed up allegedly by VHP and BJP activists at a city hotel here today, half an hour after they addressed a press conference to motivate young voters to cast their vote against communal forces. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the attack. The incident took place at 1.30 pm. In her police complaint, Hashmi alleged she and some activists were roughed up by VHP activists who hurled abuses at them. ‘‘Apart from attacking the vehicles, they started misbehaving with the activists and hurled abuses at us,’’ said Hashmi. She alleged the activists had also threatened to kill her if she did not stop talking against Hindus. Hashmi is leading a group of 27 youngsters to urge voters to elect a government that promotes communal harmony. After the attack, Hashmi said she had cancelled the Surat leg and would move straight on to Bhopal, the next stop on the tour.Mahesh Bhatt and Anil Anand were arrested by the police following identification by Hashmi and booked for rioting. The two denied they were associated with the VHP.
