Kanpur, October 3: A local shopkeeper was assaulted by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor and his associates here over a cigarette worth Rs 15. Bhavani Shankar and his aides allegedly abused and threatened the elderly shopkeeper. The incident, which was recorded on a mobile phone, was shared on social media.

According to reports, the incident occurred at Ajay Rai Gupta's paan shop in Kanpur’s Chakeri, where BJP councillor Shankar and his colleagues purchased cigarettes worth Rs 30 but only paid Rs 15. When the shopkeeper requested for the remaining amount, Shankar and his accomplices got into a physical fight with him. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: BJP Leader Slaps Elderly Shopkeeper For Not Giving Free Cigarette in Kanpur, Video Surfaces.

BJP Councillor Threatened and Abuse Local Shopkeeper

The BJP councillor also threatened to send the shopkeeper to prison for selling marijuana, while the old man asked for his money. After the video of the incident went viral on social media, the councillor released another video with the shopkeeper, and asserted that they had reached a mutual agreement at the police station. Deoria Killings: Family Attacked Over Land Dispute in Uttar Pradesh District, Six Including an 'Attacker' Dead; Disturbing Videos Surface.

Neither of the parties has filed any complaints in the matter. However, social media users are reacting to the video, raising questions over the BJP's rule in the state. The police have confirmed that both parties were summoned to the police station, and have reached a settlement, agreeing to avoid police intervention.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2023 10:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).