Ghazipur: FIR Against SP MP Afzal Ansari As He Calls To Legalise 'Ganja' Citing Consumption At Kumbh Mela

Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari faces an FIR for alleging widespread ganja consumption at the Kumbh Mela. He later apologised, claiming his comments aimed to highlight ganja smuggling in his area.

File photo of Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari

Source : PTI

Ghazipur (UP): An FIR was registered against Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari over his alleged remarks that large amounts of ganja was consumed at the Kumbh Mela, police said on Sunday.

The SP leader later apologised for his remarks.

Ansari is alleged to have called for legalising ganja, saying it is consumed during religious events and festivals as 'prasad', they said.

While speaking to reporters recently, the Ghazipur MP is also alleged to have said that even if an entire goods train is filled with ganja, it would be insufficient for the Kumbh Mela.

Several Hindu saints and organisations have objected to Ansari's remarks and demanded action against him.

In a subsequent statement, however, Ansari said that his remark was aimed at drawing attention towards 'ganja' smuggling and the drug problem in his area. He also offered his unconditional apology if his statement hurt someone, the SP leader said.

Ghazipur SHO Deendayal Pandey said the FIR against him was registered at Ghazipur police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 353(3) (statement inciting public mischief) by Gora Bazar police outpost in-charge Rajkumar Shukla. 

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)