MP refutes charges

Cuttack, Jan 24 (PTI) Dismissing the allegations madeagainst him by a policeman, senior BJP leader and local MPBhartruhari Mahatab today described the charges as"malicious and blatant lies".

�������� �I don�t react in such inappropriate manner at apublic place and the people who know me at least will notbelieve such false and fabricated charges levelled against meby a police officer�, the editor-turned MP said.

Mahtab was yesterday booked for allegedly assaultinga police officer during an event here which was attended byOrissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The incident took place during Patnaik�s visit toNetaji museum here on the occasion of Netaji Jayanti.

�������� On reports of an FIR lodged against him, a visiblyupset Mahatab said he had not received any notice from thepolice so far.

�������� �The police behaved in the most wretched manner at apublic place and on a public day�. He was referring to theblockade made by the police at a narrow entrance restrictingthe public to visit the garden adjacent to the museum.

�������� �I am a public figure and I was duly invited to theoccasion. But the policeman refused me entry saying he hadbeen instructed accordingly by the city DCP�, Mahatab said.

�������� Sub Inspector Amitabh Mohapatra, posted as officer incharge of medical outpost here, alleged in his FIR thatthe MP assaulted him using offensive languages, causinginjuries on his face and head.