Ludhiana: In a shocking incident, Rajan Sharma, the brother of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district vice-president Mahesh Dutt Sharma, was arrested on Thursday night along with an associate, Ankush Sharma, after allegedly firing a licensed handgun during a dispute over a tavern bill of just 90 rupees.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the incident took place at a tavern in Sundar Nagar. The owner, identified as Aakash, had sent a waiter to collect payment for snacks from Rajan's table. However, the intoxicated men refused to pay and demanded to see the owner. They began shouting insults and creating a ruckus.
When the owner confronted them, Rajan allegedly drew a .22-calibre revolver and fired two shots into the air. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The tavern owner and his staff managed to overpower the men and held them until the police arrived.
Police Confirmation
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sameer Verma, confirmed that the weapon was licensed to Sharma and ruled out any pre-existing rivalry. "The suspects were heavily intoxicated and they had fired into the air," Verma said. Both men now face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, including sections related to endangering personal safety and criminal intimidation.
BJP Leader's Defense
Defending his brother, BJP district vice-president Mahesh Dutt Sharma claimed that the gunfire was an act of self-defense following a sudden confrontation. "Rajan had no prior rivalry with anyone on the scene," he said. He further explained, "An argument escalated and a crowd began to gather. Having received threats recently, my brother became fearful that the crowd might harm him. He fired into the air to protect himself and never pointed the weapon at anyone."
Legal Proceedings
The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the BNS and Arms Act. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are gathering further evidence. The incident has raised questions about the use of licensed firearms and the conduct of individuals in public places.
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