Published 23:57 IST, January 26th 2025
Political Rivalry Turns Violent In Roorkee, Ex-MLA Champion And Legislator Umesh Kumar Arrested
Political Rivalry Turns Violent In Roorkee, Ex-MLA Champion And Legislator Umesh Kumar Arrested

Roorkee: The rivalry between former BJP MLA from Laksar, Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, and Independent MLA from Khanpur, Umesh Kumar, escalated the tension on Sunday in Uttarakhand's Roorkee, after the violent clash took place between the supporters of the two leaders. According to the reports, the rivalry took a violent turn when supporters of both politicians allegedly attacked each other at the Khanpur MLA's office in Roorkee. The confrontation escalated to the point where both leaders were seen waving pistols, exchanging verbal abuses and even firing gunshots. As per reports, the incident was a result of a longstanding rivalry between the two politicians, resulting in the arrest of both individuals.
A senior police official stated that both Champion and Kumar have been taken into custody, with Champion being held at the Ranipur police station and Kumar at the Roorkee police station. A recommendation has been made to the district magistrate for the cancellation of their licensed pistols and reconsideration of the security provided to them. Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Doval stated that “no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands”.
Several Rounds Were Fired On Sunday Outside Umesh Kumar's Office
The incident, which took place in broad daylight, involved Champion and Kumar, along with dozens of their supporters. They reportedly created chaos at each other’s offices, shouting and using abusive language. On Sunday, Champion allegedly went to Kumar's office with his supporters, where a fierce clash took place between the two groups, prompting the former MLA to fire several rounds in the air. His supporters also clashed with the Khanpur MLA's supporters and vandalised the office.
Reports suggested that prior to the chaos by Champion and his supporters, Kumar had allegedly arrived at his office with his supporters, causing commotion. Following the incident, Champion's wife, Devyani Singh, filed a complaint with the police about Kumar attacking their residence in Landhaura on Saturday night and claimed that no action was taken. Now, she argued that the police's inaction necessitated their reaction to “save our honour”.
The police have registered a case against both the leaders and have arrested them both. Further legal action is being taken against the two leaders.
As per the information, a case has been registered against independent MLA Umesh Kumar from Khanpur in Haridwar district under several sections on the complaint filed by former MLA Kunwar Pravav Singh Champion's wife, Rani Devrani Singh. In her complaint, she alleged that at around 9 pm on January 25, Umesh Kumar arrived at her residence in Roorkee's Landhora with three vehicles and created a ruckus.
The Haridwar police have initiated an investigation, on the complaint filed by Rani Devrani Singh, in Roorkee's Civil Line police station.
SSP (Haridwar) Pramod Dobal said, “Police immediately registered a case in the incident of Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion and his supporters firing in the camp office of independent MLA Umesh Kumar. Our special teams were assigned the case and Kunwar Pranav Singh has been arrested. A case has also been registered against independent MLA Umesh Kumar which has been written based on the incident narrated by Kunwar Pranav Singh. A report of licenced arms in the possession of both parties is being given to the DM and the police have demanded the suspension of these weapons.”
Background Of Rivalry
Earlier, after the altercation at Umesh Kumar's office on Sunday, the police quickly arrived at the scene and controlled the situation. Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Doval confirmed that both leaders had been detained. While Champion had been detained by the Ranipur police, and MLA Kumar had been detained by the Roorkee police station.
The rivalry between the two politicians has been ongoing, with frequent online exchanges of alleged derogatory remarks and challenges. Champion, in a video that has gone viral, claimed that the violent incident was a response to an attack on his residence in Landhaura by Kumar and his supporters on Saturday night. Champion alleged that Kumar had abused him and that no action had been taken by the police, which led to his violent reaction.
Both Accused Each Other
Champion, speaking to reporters from inside a police van, claimed that Kumar had attacked his mansion in Landhaura on Saturday night and abused him. He described his reaction as a necessary response to save his honour.
On the other hand, Umesh Kumar accused Champion of using highly abusive language about his family on social media and stated that he had gone to Champion's residence to confront him. According to Kumar, the altercation on Sunday was in response to Champion’s actions the previous night.
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Updated 04:26 IST, January 27th 2025