HARIDWAR: BJP leader and former Khanpur MLA Pranav Singh Champion was sent to 14 days of judicial custody by the court of chief judicial magistrate (CJM) Arvind Srivastav in Haridwar on Monday, a day after a violent altercation — which saw the use of guns and lathis against each other’s supporters — with independent MLA Umesh Kumar, who was separately arrested but granted bail.
The confrontation took place on Sunday when Singh, along with over two dozen supporters, stormed into Kumar’s camp office-cum-residence, brandishing an assault rifle and a pistol, firing gunshots and assaulting staff in broad daylight.
While Kumar was not present during the attack, he arrived at the scene soon after and launched a counter attack with equal force. Later, Singh’s wife filed a police complaint alleging that Kumar had fired shots at their residence on Sunday night. Kumar was subsequently arrested by Roorkee police and charged under various BNS sections, including 191(3) (rioting). In widely circulated — and condemned — photos and videos of the brawl, both the leaders were seen brandishing loaded guns, threatening to unleash mayhem and murder.
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Govt counsel Arun Gaur told TOI, “Singh was arrested in Dehradun on Sunday and handed over to Haridwar authorities. He was booked under relevant BNS sections, including 109 (attempt to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 191(2) (rioting), 324(4) (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 333 (house-trespass), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and 352 (intentional insult with the intent to provoke). A pistol, a rifle and four used cartridges were presented as evidence in court.”
Gaur added: “Despite pleas from Singh’s defense lawyer for medical attention at AIIMS Rishikesh, citing health issues, the court denied the request and directed the jailer to act according to jail rules.”
Meanwhile, Haridwar district magistrate Karmendra Singh cancelled the licenses of nine weapons held by Singh, his wife Devyani and their son Divya Pratap. A similar request was sent to Dehradun authorities to revoke Kumar’s weapon license, police said.
Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said, “Police forces have been deployed in Khanpur and Roorkee to maintain law and order.”
