By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
ROORKEE, 29 Jan: The controversy surrounding the firing incident involving former MLA from Khanpur, Kunwar Pranav Champion and the current MLA Umesh Kumar has further escalated into a social conflict. With Champion currently in jail, tensions have intensified as thousands from the Gurjar community gathered outside the palace of Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion in Landhaura, demanding his release and also pressing for stricter charges against Umesh Kumar.
Despite the postponement of the Gurjar Maha Panchayat on the appeal issued by Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion himself from the Haridwar prison, a massive crowd still assembled outside Champion’s residence on Wednesday, causing disruptions and engaging in altercations with the police. Hundreds of the protestors broke through barricades, climbed onto rooftops, and demanded the opening of the palace gates. Heavy police deployment from across the district was called in to manage the volatile situation.
Thousands of furious protesters gathered at Rangmahal, demanding justice for Champion. The situation escalated as police attempted to control the crowd, leading to clashes. Protesters breached barricades and tried to enter the palace, forcing the police to lock the gates from inside. A large number of agitators also climbed onto the palace gates, further intensifying the standoff.
The Gurjar community is adamant in its demand for Champion’s immediate release and stricter legal action against MLA Umesh Kumar. They have expressed unwavering support for Champion and continue to press for justice in the ongoing dispute.
Initially, the Gurjar community had planned a Maha Panchayat as a reaction to Champion’s imprisonment. However, Champion, from jail, requested its cancellation, citing his son Kunwar Divya Pratap Singh’s participation in the 38th National Games. His wife, Kunwarani Devyani, read out his letter, urging the community to focus on legal proceedings while blessing his son for victory.
The rivalry between MLA Umesh Kumar and former MLA Kunwar Pranav Champion, has existed since the time Umesh Kumar contested as an independent candidate in 2022 Assembly elections from Khanpur and winning against Devyani Singh, wife of Pranav Singh. It may be recalled that owing to some controversial remarks made by Pranav Singh Champion, the outgoing BJP MLA was denied a ticket and instead, the ticket was given to his wife.
This rivalry took a new turn on social media and kept gathering momentum. On January 25, Umesh Kumar visited Champion’s palace in Landhaura, allegedly brandishing a pistol and challenging him to come out. This led to a heightened tensions and a violent fallout the next day.
On the morning of January 26, Kunwar Pranav Champion reportedly opened fire at MLA Umesh Kumar’s office, allegedly assaulting Kumar’s supporters. Later, Umesh Kumar returned with a pistol, issuing another challenge to Champion. The incident created an uproar across Uttarakhand, prompting BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt to urge strict action by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Following the incident, Haridwar police arrested both Champion and Umesh Kumar. After medical examinations, they were produced in court, where Champion was sent to judicial custody for 14 days, while Umesh Kumar was granted bail. The Nainital High Court has taken suo moto cognisance of the matter, directing stringent legal action against both individuals.
Ready to apologise: MLA on social media postBy ARUN PRATAP SINGHDEHRADUN, 29 Jan: The ongoing dispute between former MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion and MLA Umesh Kumar took a new turn on Wednesday when on his social media post, MLA Umesh Kumar has stated that he is willing to apologise if it helps resolve the controversy. At the same time, he also added that he will not be intimidated or tolerate threats.In a social media post, Umesh Kumar expressed his willingness to apologise if it would stop the conflict in society. He claimed that the controversy began due to indecent remarks made by Champion about his mother. Umesh Kumar also appealed to Haridwar SSP, stating he is ready to cooperate with the police.In an emotional video, Umesh Kumar claimed that he feels disillusioned with politics and hinted at leaving it. At the same time, he also asserted that he would not remain silent if someone insulted his mother and that he is not afraid of anyone. It may be recalled that hundreds of people from Gurjar community had gathered at Champion’s Rangmahal in Landhaura on Wednesday to support him. The release of Umesh Kumar’s video suggests that the controversy is brewing further, as evidenced by varied reactions in the Comment section.The matter has now reached the High Court, which has summoned the criminal records of both leaders. The court’s comments in the coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this dispute.
