Arrested for ‘assaulting’ tehsildar: Threat to my life, says former MLA in Bahraich, targets CM

Speaking to the media in Bahraich, Verma said, “Not even one per cent of the allegations being made against me is correct. You all should investigate. If the allegations are true, then hang me to death. My life is in danger from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Baba hai jo Gorakhpur wala, usse jaan ka khatra hai mujhe.”

Read | Bahraich: Former MLA booked for beating up tehsildar, says Police

Three FIRs were registered against Verma at Nanpara police station Friday, on the basis of complaints filed by Circle Officer (CO) Vijay Prakash Singh, police and tehsildar Madhusudan Arya under charges including assault, rioting as well as sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to the complaints, Verma went to the tehsildar’s office to talk about the release of a tractor allegedly involved in illegal mining in the area, and following an argument with Arya, verbally abused and beat up the latter. Arya’s complaint also alleged that Verma tried to take his own security’s gun and attack him.

In a video that went viral later in the day, Verma can be seen verbally abusing Nanpara police personnel and hurling his shoes at them. Employees of all five tehsils including Arya had protested demanding Verma’s arrest.

“We arrested Verma on Saturday night. When he complained of health problems, we took him to a local hospital, which referred him to Bahraich district hospital. He was again referred to Lucknow for check-up. Doctors at the Lari Cardiology Centre said he is fine and gave him a fitness certificate on Sunday. He was then brought back to Bahraich and sent to jail after being presented in a local court,” said CO Singh.

Verma had earlier been sentenced for five years for beating up a policeman, police said.