JNU row: BJP MLA OP Sharma arrested, released over court assault

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA O P Sharma, who was caught on camera beating a Communist Party of India activist at Patiala House court three days back, was arrested on Thursday.

The first-time MLA was questioned for around eight hours at the Tilak Marg police station in connection with the case. He was then arrested on charge of causing hurt and was released on bail, a senior police official said.

The Delhi police had come under severe criticism for not taking action against the legislator despite having clear video footage showing him beating the CPI activist when the court was hearing the JawaharlalNehruUniversity case.

The police had on Wednesday served summons on Sharma following which he on Thursday presented himself before the investigators.

"He was arrested under charges of causing hurt and later granted bail," said a senior police official.

After coming out of the police station, Sharma told reporters, "If someone has to pay such a price for stopping a person who raised pro-Pakistan slogans, then I have got nothing to say."

Police had yesterday issued summons to him as well as three lawyers in connection with assault on journalists and JNU students and teachers and some other persons at the court complex on Monday. The lawyers are yet to depose before police.

Delhi Police has been under attack for not taking action against those involved in the assault at the court complex on Monday and on Wednesday.