'Unfortunate & Shameless Incident In Devbhoomi': High Court Takes Suo Moto Note Of Roorkee Clash Between MLA & BJP Leader

Last week, the Uttarakhand High Court took suo moto cognizance of the 26th January Roorkee clash between independent MLA (from Khanpur) Umesh Kumar and BJP Leader and ex-MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion. Terming the incident as unfortunate, shameless, and shocking, a bench of Justice Rakesh Thapliyal directed the District Magistrate and the SSPare to file their separate affidavits giving the details of the incident along with video clips, including a copy of the FIR, details of actions taken, and the status of the investigation. The Court also added that this kind of behaviour of two political persons tarnishes the reputation of the State. The Court remarked: “Such a brazen act of violence of this two political persons are really very shocking and shameful, which was happened in Uttarakhand State, which is known as “Dev Bhoomi” and therefore such a conduct have no excuse and untolerable as such an incident is detrimental to the State's image.” The District Magistrate and the SSP, Haridwar, informed this court that as many as 19 criminal cases are pending against both persons in different courts. Thus, the Court sought details of all the pending cases in their affidavit, to be filed by February 11. The Court also directed the District Magistrate and the SSP to maintain the law and order in the area. The Court further observed that the constituency's confidence and trust in their political representative, be it an MP or an MLA, is necessary for an interactive, efficient, and effective functioning of parliamentary democracy. As per the media reports, on January 26, Champion arrived at MLA Kumar's office in Khanpur, Roorkee, along with his supporters, allegedly brandishing an assault rifle and pistol, firing gunshots and assaulting the persons in broad daylight. Kumar also wielded a gun in retaliation. In an alleged video of the incident, which is doing rounds on social media, Champion and his supporters could be seen shooting at the MLA's house, hurling abuses and pelting stones. In the alleged video, Champion is seen firing again at the MLA's house before getting into his car. It may be noted that in July 2019, the BJP expelled Champion from the party's primary membership for six years on grounds of indiscipline; however, this expulsion was revoked a year later. The state police have arrested him in connection with this incident.

'Unfortunate & Shameless Incident In Devbhoomi': High Court Takes Suo Moto Note Of Roorkee Clash Between MLA & BJP Leader

Sparsh Upadhyay

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