BJP MLA Madhu Srivastava booked under Arms Act

Vadodara, Mar 23 (UNI) The city police today registered a criminal offence against controversial Gujarat BJP MLA and Baroda dairy chairman Madhu Srivavasta for firing indiscriminately in the air to celebrate Holi yesterday.

Taking suo motu cognisance of some local news channel reports of the incident, Makarpura police station inspector R K Laskari registered the criminal offence against the MLA under section 135 of the Bombay Police Act and section 30 of the Arms Act.

Yesterday, the Baroda dairy chairman was seen firing aimlessly from a revolver while celebrating Holi with his about 200 supporters near the dairy located at Makarpura road.

Srivastava, who was recently re-elected to the Gujarat Assembly from Waghodia constituency in the district for the fourth consecutive term, was also booked for carrying a sword while leading the group of slogan shouting Holi revellers on a horseback.

Reacting to the police action against him, Srivastava, who allegedly coerced and bribed Vadodara Best Bakery carnage prime witness Zaheera Shiekh to turn hostile during the trial, denied having committed any criminal offence by opening fire in the air.

''I fired six rounds in the air from my licenced revolver only to celebrate the Holi revelry with my friends, and have not violated any law of the land,'' he said adding that he was prepared to face any inquiry in this connection.

According to the Makarpura police inspector the investigation into the incident had just begun. ''We are collecting the visual CDs and other evidences from different sources, including the news channels, and will soon record the statement of Srivastava.'' He, however, ruled out the possibility of immediate arrest of the legislator. Sources said the MLA could be put behind the bars for three months, if he was found guilty under the Arms Act.

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