Gang-War-Like Clash: Former BJP MLA Arrested After Firing at MLA’s Office in Khanpur

Haridwar (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions between former and current lawmakers in Khanpur, Haridwar, have escalated, creating a gang-war-like atmosphere. The police have arrested former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion in connection with the incident. He is accused of indiscriminately firing at the camp office of the current MLA from Khanpur, Umesh Kumar, in Roorkee on Sunday. Following the incident, the process to withdraw Champion's security has also been initiated.

Umesh Kumar, a former journalist turned politician, had defeated Champion's wife, Kunwarani Devyani, in the 2022 state assembly elections from Khanpur, leading to ongoing tensions between the two leaders. According to the police, both leaders had been making comments about each other on social media in recent days. On Sunday evening, Champion, along with his supporters, arrived at MLA Kumar’s camp office, where a clash broke out between the supporters of both sides, resulting in a physical altercation involving sticks and rods. It is alleged that Champion also fired shots into the air, causing panic in the area. Several videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, and the police have taken cognizance of them. Based on the video footage, the police have said they will take action against those who accompanied Champion and those seen firing shots. The police are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas. Statements from individuals present at the MLA’s office during the incident will be recorded soon.

The police have begun the process of revoking the weapon licenses of the armed attackers shown in the videos, and the weapons used in the firing will be seized. The Uttarakhand Police will also withdraw the police protection granted to Pranav Champion. The process to revoke his security has already started. On Sunday evening, the SSP ordered a review of the former MLA's police security.