Gopal Mandal was seen waving weapons during Holika Dahan! Video went viral, investigation started

Sanjay Singh, Patna. Former MLA Gopal Mandal is once again in the headlines. This time the matter is about alleged waving of weapons during the Holika Dahan program in Bhagalpur. A video which is rapidly going viral on social media has created a stir in political and administrative circles.

It is being told that this video is from Bhagalpur district, where former MLA Gopal Mandal is seen with a weapon in his hand during the Holika Dahan program. As soon as the video surfaced, the discussion intensified among the local people and within no time it went viral on social media platforms.

Police came into action as soon as the video surfaced

Taking the matter seriously, the Senior Superintendent of Police of Bhagalpur has ordered an immediate investigation. A district level officer has been entrusted with the responsibility of investigation. The police is trying to find out the authenticity of the viral video, whether the weapon seen in it was licensed or not and whether carrying a weapon during the program was in accordance with the rules or not. According to administrative sources, technical investigation of the video will also be done so that it can be clear whether any kind of editing has been done in the footage. If prima facie the allegations are found true then legal action will be taken.

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Mandal has been in controversies before also

This is not the first time that Gopal Mandal’s name has come into controversy regarding weapons. While being an MLA, he had also reached Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (Mayaganj Hospital), the largest government hospital in East Bihar, with weapons. Even at that time, this matter was much discussed and questions were raised about carrying weapons in the hospital premises. In political life, he has often been in the headlines due to his outspoken statements and controversial activities. While his supporters call it a matter of ‘personal security’, his opponents call it insensitivity towards law and order.

Also read: There will be no shortage of ‘bottles’ on Holi in Delhi, liquor shops will remain open

Why did weapons become an issue in Holika Dahan?

A large number of people participate in religious and cultural programs like Holika Dahan. Display of weapons in such public events is considered sensitive from law and order point of view. This is why the administration took immediate cognizance after the video surfaced. According to law experts, possessing a licensed weapon is one thing, but waving it at a public event is a different matter. If it creates any kind of fear or disorder, it can also be punishable.

Issue heated up again in politics

Local politics has also heated up after the incident. Opposition parties have called it a serious matter and demanded strict action. At the same time, no official statement has come out from Gopal Mandal in this regard yet. Only after the police investigation report will it be clear to what extent the pictures shown in the viral video are true and what further legal steps will be taken. At present, this matter remains a major topic of discussion in Bhagalpur.