BJP Leader and Uttarakhand MLA Clash: Pistol Shots and Abuse Rock Roorkee

The long-standing political rivalry between former BJP MLA from Laksar, Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, and Independent MLA from Khanpur, Umesh Kumar, escalated into violence on Sunday in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. The incident saw Champion and his supporters attacking Kumar’s office, firing shots in the air, and creating chaos, according to reports from news agency PTI.

Gunfire and Chaos at MLA’s Office

The attack unfolded in broad daylight when Champion, accompanied by his supporters, stormed Kumar’s office, firing several rounds into the air. Visual evidence, including bullet holes in the office’s glass windows and walls, highlighted the intensity of the altercation. Police took immediate notice of the situation after videos of the incident went viral on social media. However, the authenticity of the videos could not be independently verified by HT.

Retaliation Claims and Counteraccusations

Champion defended his actions, claiming they were a response to an alleged attack on his mansion by Kumar and his supporters the previous night. He accused the Khanpur MLA of verbal abuse and stated, “When I reacted, I was picked up. It is an injustice. I will fight against it.” Videos of Champion being transported in a police van from the Nehru Colony police station in Dehradun further fueled the controversy.

BJP leader and Ex-MLA Pranav Singh
who is a close associate of @pushkardhami, has attacked the Khanpur’s MLA (Independent) Umesh Kumar’s office with guns and goons, shot multiple fires.

Is that what we call “सुशासन”?@BJP4India @RahulGandhi @BJP4UK @INCIndia @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/qZ8xFBpeTQ

— गौरव त्यागी 🇮🇳 (@GAURAV__TYAGI) January 26, 2025

Champion’s wife, Devyani Singh, accused the police of inaction regarding their complaint about the alleged attack on their home. She argued that her husband’s actions were necessary to defend their honor.

In retaliation, Umesh Kumar and his supporters arrived at Champion’s office, creating a similar commotion. Kumar, seen wielding a pistol and hurling verbal abuse, further escalated tensions until police intervened to control the situation.

Police Response and Legal Actions

Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Doval confirmed that both Champion and Kumar were taken into custody based on mutual complaints filed by their respective camps. Champion was moved to the Ranipur police station in Haridwar, while Kumar was detained at the Roorkee police station.

The police are now considering recommending the cancellation of both leaders’ licensed firearms and reevaluating the security cover provided to them. Doval remarked that the rivalry between the two politicians is widely known, with frequent public spats on social media adding fuel to the fire.

Political Rivalry Spilling Over

This violent episode has brought to light the deep-seated animosity between the two leaders, whose disagreements have often played out publicly. As investigations proceed, the incident raises concerns over the conduct of public representatives and the measures needed to prevent such situations from endangering public safety.