BJP seeks judicial probe into firing at minister's home

Opposition BJP has demanded a judicial inquiry into the firing incident at the Uttarakhand agriculture minister Harak Singh Rawat's residence last night saying the matter cast a poor light on the state government.
Describing the firing incident during a party last night as shameful, state BJP chief Tirath Singh Rawat said BJP workers would lay siege to the Assembly tomorrow to protest against the state government's failure "on all fronts".
"We will bring out a rally tomorrow to protest against the failures of the state government. Workers from different parts of the state will participate in it, he said.
Talking about the firing incident, Tirath alleged that Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna was aware that trouble was likely at Harak Singh's residence and had therefore skipped the meeting of Congress leaders which was held there.

"May be he (Bahuguna) deliberately did not turn up for the meeting as he was aware of the impending trouble," Tirath said.
Congress MLA from Khanpur in Haridwar district, Kunwar Pranav Singh "Champion", is said to be the one who opened fire at the party, according to police.

Two persons, including a former student leader, Vivekanand Khanduri, and a youth from Haridwar received injuries in the firing.
"It's shocking that when people in flood-hit areas are crying for help, their representatives are busy partying.
"Be it bureaucrats or government representatives, every body is busy looting funds received for flood relief," Tirath alleged.

He also criticised state government's move to hand over mining and quarrying on river banks to private players, saying it would lead to a spurt in crime.