BJP leader, driver arrested on charges of distributing liquor

A BJP leader and his driver were arrested for allegedly distributing liquor in Uttarakhand's Kotdwar constituency where Chief Minister B C Khanduri is crossing swords with a Congress candidate.

Local BJP leader Bhuwanesh Kharkwal along with his driver were allegedly distributing liquor in the area late last night and were arrested, police said.

At least seven bottles of liquor were seized from their possession and the two were booked under the Excise Act, police said.

After the incident came to light, scores of supporters of Congress candidate Surendra Singh Negi allegedly vandalised property in the area prompting police to use mild force to scatter them.

A Congress delegation met Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer Radha Raturi and alleged police officials in Kotdwar were acting under BJP's pressure. The Congress leaders alleged the supporters of former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who is contesting from Doiwala constituency, also attacked the office of a news channel in their attempt to terrorise the media.

They demanded deployment of central security forces to ensure free and fair election in the state.