Criminal case against suspended SP MLA, 24 supporters

A suspended Samajwadi Party MLA has been booked along with 24 of her supporters for attempt to murder and under provisions of SC/ST Act for allegedly trying to intimidate a Dalit Block Development Council member, police said today.
While Ruchi Veera, the local MLA, has denied the charges, police said a case under SC/ST Act and for attempt to kidnap, intimidate, and murder has been registered against her following a complaint last night.
Police said Ruchi and her supporters allegedly went to BDC member Saroj Devi's home in Mominpur Dargo village last night and threatened her to vote in favour of Sarvesh Raj in the election for Block Pramukh on February 7.

Sarvesh is contesting against SP's official candidate, Aanchal, from Haldaur Block.
Police sources said the MLA's supporters had fired shots in the air and made "casteist barbs" towards the inmates of the BDC's home.
Saroj Devi's son Siddhartha filed a police complaint in the night itself against several named persons and 12 unidentified accused.

Circle Officer Ramanand Kushwaha and other police officials have visited Mominpur Dargo to make enquiries while police personnel have been deployed at the village.
Meanwhile, the MLA has claimed she neither went to Saroj Devi's house nor did she engage in any of the said activities.

Earlier this month, Ruchi was suspended from the SP Legislature Party for opposing the party's official candidate in the recent Zila Parishad Adhyaksha Elections.