Jharkhand Minister Caught on Camera Beating Up RJD Leader

PALAMU, JHARKHAND:  Jharkhand’s health minister and veteran BJP politician Ramchandra Chandrawanshi has been caught on camera attacking a political rival – Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Sambhu Chandrawanshi  — in full public view.

In the footage, Mr Chandrawanshi is seen raining blows on the man, after which his guards and supporters joined in.

The victim has filed a complaint with the local police. But the guards of the minister have filed a counter-complaint, alleging that the RJD leader had started it by misbehaving with the minister.

The incident occurred in Jharkhand’s Palamau district, where Mr Chandrawanshi had gone yesterday to attend a function by an organization that represents his caste. The Chandrawanshis are a faction of the Rajputs.

The president of the body, however, belongs to the RJD. It was apparently suggested that the minister’s son take over as the next president. But the RJD leader had disagreed.

Reports suggest that an argument broke out between them during the function. When the function was over, the minister approached the man. In the video footage, he could be seen assaulting him, delivering at least two blows, and then his guards and supporters take over.

In the footage, the minister was also heard saying the RJD politician had abused him. But the abuse is not on camera.

“The minister threatened me and told me to stop participating in active politics. When I refused, this is what he did,” the RJD leader said.

Mr Chandrawanshi had denied the incident. “I did nothing, I am telling you. Anyone can say anything. Even if a complaint has been filed, someone could file a complaint against you too,” he said.