BJP leader’s kin seek police protection

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, July 26

Family members of Mridul Kaushik, president of the Chandracharya Trader Committee, have sought police protection, alleging threats from nominated ward councillor Sachin Beniwal. Kaushik is a former BJP ward councillor. Beniwal had joined the Congress a few months ago.

Kaushik’s wife Nalini Kaushik, while addressing mediapersons, today said around 40 or 50 men, armed with canes, hockey sticks and iron rods, trespassed into her house in Khanna Nagar two days ago in search of Mridul Kaushik.

Mridul and Sachin Beniwal had a scuffle outside a restaurant at the Chandracharya square, Ranipur, two days ago. Beniwal, had alleged that Kaushik had slapped him.

Both are at loggerheads for taking the credit of a budget of Rs 45 lakh for a sewer project at the Chandracharya square. Kaushik has claimed it a result of the efforts made by BJP city legislator Madan Kaushik and Mayor Manoj Garg. Beniwal, however, had installed hoardings in the city, thanking Chief Minister Harish Rawat for sanctioning the project.

Nalini said, “I accept that there was some quarrel between my husband and Sachin Beniwal but law doesn’t allow anyone to trespass or misbehave. My mother-in-law, father-in-law and son are living in fear as the mob had even searched our rooms and threatened of dire consequences if Mridul didn’t apologise to Beniwal.”

Both sides have lodged complaints with the Jwalapur police. No arrest has been made so far. Mridul Kaushik is absconding since then. Though he was seen today at his shop at the Chandracharya square but he left after mediapersons arrived to meet him.