Cong Minister booked for attack on BJP candidate

Jammu, December 20

The police today booked sitting Congress Minister Manohar Lal Sharma in connection with the attack on BJP candidate Nirmal Singh and indulging in other unlawful activities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.

Another FIR was registered against Independent candidate Rajinder Singh for poll violation and indulging in violence.

“District Election authorities have registered two separate FIRs against a Minister and an Independent Candidate for poll code violation and indulging in violence in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir”, senior district officer said.

An FIR has been registered under Ranbir Penal Code at Billawar Police Station against Minister of State Manohar Lal Sharma for allegedly leading a mob to attack BJP candidate Nirmal Singh and indulging in other unlawful activities, he said.

Some men had yesterday allegedly attacked Singh’s vehicle with sticks. The BJP leader and his wife had a narrow escape.

The mob also manhandled Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Headquarters, Kathua and Station House Officer (SHO) Billawar. Following the incident district election officer ordered immediate action, he said.

Another FIR has been lodged at Police Station Basohli against independent candidate Rajinder Singh and other unknown persons, he said.

District Election Officer Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has issued strict directions to police for immediate action against all persons indulging in poll violence and ensuring free and fair Assembly elections. — PTI