BJP suspends Katara for aiding impersonation

New Delhi, Apr 18: Taking serious note of the allegations against its Gujarat MP, the BJP today suspended Babubhai Katara from the party, pending an inquiry into the allegation that he tried to fly to Toronto with a woman in the name of his wife.

Mr Katara was arrested at the IGI airport here early this morning for the fraud.

BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said the party had taken a very serious view of the prima facie nature of the allegation and Mr Katara had been suspended from the party till he was cleared of the charge.

Earlier, another BJP spokesman had indicated that the party would take strictest action, including his expulsion, from the party.

''It is a serious and sensitive matter. This has definitely maligned the image of the party and there is no question of showing any leniency for him. The party is verifying the facts and will announce its action against him,''BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar said.

Party president Rajnath Singh is away to Uttar Pradesh for the party's campaign. He will be reaching here either tonight or tomorrow.

UNI