Political tensions escalated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district after a Congress MLA alleged that he was assaulted during a public grievance meeting. The incident has triggered a fresh political controversy, with the legislator accusing supporters of a National Conference (NC) leader of disrupting the event. An FIR has been registered in connection with the incident, and the brother of an NC MLA has reportedly been named among the accused.

The alleged attack took place during a public interaction programme where local residents had gathered to raise civic issues. According to the Congress legislator, a group of people entered the venue, created a disturbance and allegedly assaulted him and several supporters, forcing the meeting to end abruptly.

FIR Registered Against Several Individuals

Police have registered a case following the complaint submitted by the Congress MLA. The FIR reportedly names the brother of the Sonawari National Conference MLA along with several unidentified supporters. Authorities have initiated an investigation to establish the sequence of events and determine the role of those named in the complaint.

Officials said statements of witnesses are being recorded, while available video footage from the venue is also being examined as part of the investigation. No official confirmation has been issued regarding arrests in the case so far.

Congress Levels Serious Allegations

Reacting to the incident, the Congress legislator alleged that the attack was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him and prevent him from interacting with the public. He claimed that such incidents undermine democratic values and the right of elected representatives to hold public meetings without fear.

Congress leaders condemned the alleged assault and demanded strict legal action against those involved. The party urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure the safety of public representatives and maintain law and order during political programmes.

National Conference Rejects Charges

The National Conference has denied the allegations levelled by the Congress MLA. Party leaders dismissed the claims as politically motivated and maintained that neither the Sonawari MLA nor his family members had any involvement in the incident.

NC leaders alleged that the accusations were aimed at creating unnecessary political controversy and tarnishing the party’s image. They called for an impartial police investigation to bring out the facts surrounding the episode.

Police Probe Underway

Police officials said the investigation remains at a preliminary stage and that all aspects of the case are being examined. Investigators are collecting evidence, recording statements of those present at the meeting and verifying the allegations made by both sides.

The incident has once again highlighted the sharp political rivalry in the region, with both Congress and the National Conference trading accusations. The outcome of the police investigation is expected to determine whether further legal action is warranted against those named in the FIR.