By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
DEHRADUN, 27 Jan: A long-standing political rivalry between former MLA from Khanpur (Haridwar) Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion and the current MLA Umesh Kumar escalated into a violent scuffle on Sunday, leading to the arrest of both individuals late evening. On Monday, Kunwar Pranav Singh has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody, while Umesh Kumar, also arrested on Sunday night, has been granted bail on a security of Rs 40,000.
The ongoing conflict between Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar and former MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion has dramatically escalated, transitioning from verbal altercations to physical violence and firing. As the state was busy with Republic Day celebrations, firing occurred at Umesh Kumar’s office, with the blame directed at Champion and his associates. Not to be left behind, Umesh Kumar was also seen waving his gun and abusing Kunwar Pranav Singh. This incident has heightened tensions in Roorkee and surrounding areas.
Following the firing incident, Umesh Kumar expressed his anger and demanded immediate action against Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion. The situation further intensified when Umesh Kumar attempted to approach Champion’s office with a gun in hand. However, police from nearby police stations, led by SP Rural, intercepted him. Umesh Kumar warned that if no action was taken, he would take matters into his own hands. Sources claim that few days ago, Kumar allegedly attacked the house of Kunwar Pranav Champion, and an FIR was filed by Devyani, Kunwar Pranav Champion’s wife, against Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar.
In the complaint given to the police, Devyani had alleged that Umesh Kumar had come to her place and camp office at around 9 pm on Saturday (January 25). Umesh Kumar had also tried to enter her house.
As the news spread late Sunday evening, it forced the police to swing into action. Kunwar Pranav Singh was arrested in Dehradun by Nehru Colony police, while Umesh Kumar was later arrested by Haridwar police. Both leaders and arch-rivals spent Sunday night in police custody.
Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh confirmed the arrest of Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion and four others. They were apprehended by Nehru Colony Police in Dehradun and later handed over to Haridwar Police for further action. Reports suggest that weapons were recovered during the arrest.
Action has been taken in the firing case at Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar’s camp office. DM Haridwar has cancelled the licenses of nine weapons issued in the name of Pranav Singh, Devyani Singh and their son Divya Pratap Singh. Along with this, a show cause notice has also been issued.
Champion’s supporters created a ruckus at the police station, attempting to pressurise the authorities.
Later, Haridwar police arrested Umesh Kumar. Both Kumar and Champion were held in separate police stations overnight. While Kumar was granted bail by the court, Champion has been sent to judicial custody in Haridwar prison for 14 days. They are scheduled to be presented in court today after medical examinations.
