Former BJP MLA from Laksar, Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the Roorkee firing case wherein gun shots were fired outside the office of Independent Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar. A Haridwar district court remanded Champion to judicial custody after he was produced before the judicial magistrate following a medical examination on Monday.
Government prosecutor Rinku Verma stated, "During the hearing, the court found the allegations against former MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, regarding firing outside the office of Independent Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar, to be true. Consequently, the court ordered him to be sent to judicial custody for 14 days." Champion's legal team is expected to file a bail plea soon.
Roorkee Firing Case Born Out Of Long-Standing Rivalry
The long-standing rivalry between Champion and Kumar took a violent turn on Sunday when both leaders and their supporters allegedly attacked each other’s offices in Roorkee, verbally abused those present, and brandished firearms.
According to Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Doval, both Champion and Kumar were taken into custody based on complaints from both sides. "Their enmity is well-known, and they frequently criticise each other on social media. A recommendation is also being made to the district magistrate to cancel their licensed pistols and reconsider the security provided to them. No one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands," Doval said, as per news agency PTI.
Champion was detained from his residence in Dehradun and taken to Haridwar. A viral video showed him inside a police van being transferred from Nehru Colony police station in Dehradun. ALSO READ | Uttarakhand EX-MLA Opens Fire Outside Sitting Legislator's Office After Local Body Poll Results: Video
Speaking to reporters from inside the van, he alleged, "The Khanpur MLA attacked my mansion in Landhaura on Saturday night and abused me. What I did today was in reaction to that. When I reacted, I was arrested. This is an injustice. I will fight against it."
Champion’s wife, Devyani Singh, claimed that a complaint was lodged with the police about Kumar's alleged attack on their residence at 10:28 pm on Saturday. "When no action was taken, it became necessary to react to save our honour," she said.
Roorkee Firing Case: Heavy Police Deployment, Vehicles Seized
Following the incident, Roorkee police have seized Champion’s vehicles, including those used in the firing, and parked them at the city’s Kotwali police station. Meanwhile, MLA Kumar remains inside Civil Lines police station, with a heavy police deployment in place. He is set to be presented before court.
Addressing the situation, Kumar stated, "The law is taking its course. I have full faith in the legal system."