Police have booked Raja Sonkar, the son of a senior political leader, under provisions of the Arms Act after a video allegedly showing him brandishing a revolver from a residential balcony went viral on social media.
Viral clip prompts police action
According to police, the video showed Raja Sonkar standing on the balcony of a multi-storey building in a residential locality, waving what appeared to be a revolver while a busy public road lay below. Acting on the viral footage, officers verified official records and found that no firearm licence had been issued in his name.
Based solely on the video evidence, Belbagh police registered a case against Raja Sonkar under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, which deal with illegal possession and use of firearms.
Accused claims it was a toy gun
Following the registration of the case, Raja Sonkar submitted a written representation to the police, claiming the incident occurred during a protest rally allegedly held against the police administration. He alleged that sloganeering and abusive chants were raised outside his residence, prompting him to step onto the balcony.
In his statement, he claimed that the object seen in the video was not a real firearm but a toy revolver belonging to his children. Police officials said the matter would be examined as part of the investigation.
Former minister responds
Raja Sonkar is the son of Anchal Sonkar, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a former state minister. Anchal Sonkar stated that he was away in Bhopal at the time of the incident and came to know later that slogans and abuses were raised using his name during the rally.
He maintained that his son does not possess any licensed firearm and reiterated that the revolver seen in the video was a toy.
Investigation underway
Police officials said the case has been registered as per law and further investigation will determine the nature of the object shown in the video and the circumstances under which it was displayed.