Police may be asked to probe pepper spray episode

Delhi Police may be asked to probe the use of pepper spray by an MP in the Lok Sabha, police sources said Wednesday after getting oral intimation from a parliamentary committee to begin investigations.

The incident occurred during the introduction of the Telangana bill in the Lok Sabha Feb 13, when L. Rajagopal, an expelled Congress member, used pepper spray that led to three parliamentarians being taken to the hospital.

The incident has been referred by the speaker to the privileges committee, according to police sources.

The sources said police had got oral intimation from the privileges committee of the Lok Sabha to begin an investigation but were awaiting a written complaint.

They said a case might be registered under section 325 (punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the Indian Penal Code.

The pepper spray sent scores of members and Lok Sabha officials - and even some journalists in the media gallery - running for cover. All parties then demanded action against the Vijayawada MP. The government said it would not oppose any decision taken by Speaker Meira Kumar.

Rajagopal Tuesday tendered his resignation which was accepted by the speaker.