Wednesday, 03 May 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
BJP condemns incident, calls for disciplined behaviour by all in public life
Following the altercation involving cabinet minister and Rishikesh MLA Prem Chand Agrawal and his security staff, the minister has claimed that he was first attacked by a local resident who also tore his clothes. The man also tore the uniform of Agrawal’s security officer and tried to snatch his firearm, the minister alleged. The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticised the assault on the minister while also stressing that all those in public life are expected to behave in a disciplined manner.
The incident occurred when the minister was going from one event to another in Rishikesh. He told media persons that his vehicle was in a jam on Haridwar Road when a local resident identified as Surendra Singh Negi allegedly misbehaved with the minister. As the window on the minister’s side was open, the man assaulted him and even tore his kurta. When his security officer tried to intervene the man allegedly tore his uniform and also tried to snatch his firearm. The man then allegedly picked up a stone from the roadside to hit the minister. Responding to this action, the minister and his security officer defended themselves.
Meanwhile, the BJP has condemned the attack on the minister and termed it unfortunate. The BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt said that the manner in which the argument between the man and the minister escalated into violence is unfortunate. He said that strict action will be taken in this case, adding that such incidents do not send a good message. All those in public life are expected to behave and act in a disciplined manner, he added.
