MLC Akshay Pratap Singh Gopal, close to Kunda’s Bahubali MLA Raja Bhaiya, has suffered a major setback on Tuesday. Akshay Pratap Singh has been found guilty by the court in the case of taking arms license at a fake address. Now the sentence will be pronounced on 22 March. However, the MLC was not present in the court during the hearing on Tuesday.
On 6 September 1997, SI DP Shukla lodged an FIR against Akshay Pratap Singh at Nagar Kotwali. SI Asharfilal had given a report in this regard and SI Dudhnath recommended it. The FIR said that Akshay Pratap Singh of Jamo Beti Kunda took the arms license at the address of the roadways bus stand in the city. The address was not found to be correct on investigation.
After hearing the case on Tuesday, MP-MLA Court Judge Balram Das Jaiswal found Akshay Pratap guilty. Akshay Pratap Singh had given an application for apology from his presence in the court. Now the court has fixed March 22 for the sentencing.
Akshay Pratap Kunda is a close and relative of MLA Raja Bhaiya. He has been a three-time MLC and one-time MP in Pratapgarh. Raja Bhaiya’s party Jansatta Dal Loktantrik has declared Akshay Pratap as MLC candidate this time too. Last time Gopalji was elected MLC unopposed on SP ticket. If convicted, contesting MLC elections can be eclipsed.