Kota: Police in Kota on Tuesday served a formal notice on former MLA and Congress leader Prahlad Gunjal over alleged threats directed at Rajiv Datta, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Nation Press reported. The notice directs Gunjal to appear before the police for questioning within seven days.

Source: Nation Press

The case traces back to a public gathering at Kolana village on October 21, at which Gunjal allegedly issued an open threat against Datta. A video of the remarks subsequently surfaced, and a case was registered on the complaint of Constable and Intelligence Officer Pushpendra Chaudhary. The Times of India reported on October 28 that Gunjal had been booked at Kota's Ranpur police station under multiple provisions, including extortion and using criminal force, after the video clip surfaced.

Source: The Times of India via Jaipur News

A team led by Mahesh Kumar, Circle Inspector of Anantpura police station, visited Gunjal's residence to serve the notice, which was issued under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Police said the case has been registered under Sections 223(a), 132 and 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, and a pen drive containing video footage of the gathering has been seized as evidence.

7 daysTime given to appear for questioning
Oct 21Kolana village gathering at the centre of the case
BNSS 35(3)Section under which the notice was issued

Nation Press also reported that a separate case related to violation of the Model Code of Conduct had previously been registered against Gunjal at Ranpur police station. The allegations against Gunjal are alleged and have not been proved in court.

Acknowledging that officers had visited his home, Gunjal confirmed the notice but said he had declined the November 10 summons date. Police are now expected to set a fresh date for his questioning.