BJP disciplinary panel summons MLA over woman's abduction issue

The BJP today issued a notice to its MLA Gagan Bhagat asking him to appear before the party disciplinary committee in connection with the allegation of an ex-serviceman that he had abducted his daughter in Jammu and Kashmir.

On June 24, the ex-serviceman accused the R S Pura MLA of abducting his daughter, a charge denied by the woman as well as the politician who termed the allegation as an attempt to defame him.

"The disciplinary committee, having taken into consideration all media reports, offensive pictures on social media and complaints to police by family of the girl, decided to take cognisance of the issue and issued notice to Gagan Bhagat asking him to appear before it with all proof and evidence on July 12," the party's state chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said.

Sethi, who is also the chairman of the disciplinary committee, said that in its first meeting held today the newly constituted panel took serious note of allegations of "moral corruption" and indiscipline of the party MLA.

He said that the news have been reported in media and has caused adverse impact on the clean image of the party. The meeting was attended by members N D Rajwal and Virinderjeet Singh.

"It has come to the notice of the disciplinary committee that there had been adverse reporting against you by media accusing you of objectionable extramarital relations," Sethi said in the notice given to Bhagat.

Sethi said the allegations against the legislator are serious and required to be in investigated by the disciplinary committee.

"Before a final opinion is drawn and appropriate action is suggested on the issue to the party president, you are called upon to appear before the disciplinary committee with all proof or evidence as you may think fit.... You are recommended not to communicate with the other side till enquiry is concluded," the notice said.

The disciplinary committee also asked the members of public and the parties concerned to produce any evidence or proof on the issue before it.