New Delhi, Aug. 10 (PTI): Muslim leaders and intellectuals today strongly condemned the attack on controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin terming the incident as "shameful" and "barbaric".

"The incident was outrageous and shameful. In a civilised society, you have a right to approve or disapprove of anything," noted lyricist and author Javed Akhtar said.

"Fundamentalists are getting bolder and bolder as they can get away with almost anything. That is the problem," Akhtar said.

Delhi Minorities Commission Chairperson Kamal Farooqui said the incident was condemnable, especially as three MLAs were involved in it.

But, he said, the government should also ensure that Nasreen is not allowed to do or write anything which hurts the sentiments of Muslims.

"The government should immediately cancel her visa and make her go out of the country," he said adding, "she should realise that this is not Bangladesh or Pakistan, but India where the sentiments of all communities are respected".

Activists of a Muslim group yesterday disrupted a book release function in Hyderabad attended by Nasrin and attempted to assault her though she escaped unhurt.