Criminal cases against BJP MLA, others

Itarsi, MP, Apr 12 (UNI) Criminal cases have been registered against a (BJP) MLA and nine others in Hoshangabad for misbehaving with government officials undertaking an anti-encroachment drive.

Itarsi legislator Girjashankar Sharma and dozens of his supporters protested against encroachment removal from Vindhya Garden and Vatika Restaurant yesterday afternoon.

''Mr Bhavanishankar (the MLA's brother who is a Congress leader and also a district janpad president) made a futile attempt to assault the sub-divisional magistrate and me,'' said Collector Faiz Ahmed Kidwai.

The legislator pelted stones at two JCB machines and injured driver Dwarka Giri who lodged a police complaint. A case was registered under sections 332, 336, 353 and 406 of the Indian Penal Code while another was registered under sections 353, 332, 336 and 147.

Following a complaint regarding misuse of the government land plot, the district administration annulled a lease. Incidentally, the MLA's brother Kripashankar has served as Madhya Pradesh chief secretary.

UNI XC-OM SP1345