The rivalry between former BJP MLA from Laksar, Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, and Independent MLA from Khanpur, Umesh Kumar, turned violent on Sunday when Champion attacked Kumar's office in Roorkee, Uttarakhand.
Champion and his supporters created a disturbance at Kumar's office and fired several rounds in the air, according to reports. Police said that the shooting took place in broad daylight, and images from the scene showed bullet holes in the office's glass window and marks on the wall.
The police took action after a video of the incident went viral on social media. However, the authenticity of the video could not be independently confirmed.
Champion said he attacked Kumar’s office in retaliation for an earlier attack on his house by Kumar the previous night at 10:28 pm. He also accused Kumar of verbally abusing him. Champion expressed his frustration, saying he was unjustly detained and would continue to fight for his rights.
In another viral video, Champion was seen in a police van on his way to Nehru Colony police station in Dehradun. Champion's wife, Devyani Singh, claimed that the police had ignored their complaint about the previous attack and that her husband’s response was necessary to protect their honour.
In response, Kumar, with his supporters, went to Champion's office and caused a scene, holding a pistol and verbally abusing Champion when the police arrived.
Haridwar's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Singh Doval confirmed that both Champion and Kumar had been taken into custody after both parties filed complaints. He also mentioned that their rivalry was well-known, with the two leaders frequently attacking each other on social media.
Both leaders have been taken to different police stations in Haridwar and Roorkee. SSP Doval added that a recommendation will be made to the district magistrate to cancel their licensed pistols and review their security arrangements.
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