Former MP's son brandishes gun at Delhi 5-star hotel

New Delhi: In a brazen act of power, the son of a former BSP MP was booked for allegedly brandishing a gun at guests and threatening them in the foyer of a five-star hotel here, a video of which went viral on social media.

The accused, Ashish Pandey, hails from Lucknow and is the son of former BSP MP Rakesh Pandey. His brother, Ritesh Pandey, is a sitting MLA in Uttar Pradesh.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, police said.

"A male is seen brandishing a weapon in the footage. Accordingly, a case under section 25/27 (Arms Act) of the IPC has been registered. Legal action is being taken as per law," said DCP South West Devender Arya.

The complaint about the incident was received Monday from the assistant security manager of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in RK Puram, following which a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued, they said.

The Hyatt Regency in Delhi maintained that it is taking "seriously" the incident and will cooperate with the authorities in the investigation.

Ashish Pandey accompanied by his female friends was seen holding a pistol in his right-hand hurling expletives at a couple who stood frightened holding each other. It is said that the scuffle started after Ashish entered the ladies restroom. The act was filmed by one of Ashish's friends sitting in the car.

After the video of the incident went viral, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the police had initiated action in the case.

"The Delhi Police has initiated action on this incident which is also being shown in the media. An FIR has been registered under the Arms Act and the IPC. Strong and appropriate action will be taken. Also verifying the identity of others," the minister tweeted.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra also expressed grave concern over the law and order situation in the city following the incident.

Meanwhile, a five-member team of Delhi police officers flew to Lucknow to arrest the accused. He was not found at his residence at Hazratganj based Santushti Apartment in Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh DGP was also quick to form three teams to trace Ashish Pandey. His premises in Gomtinagar was raided too.

"We have issued a Look Out Circular for the accused so that he can't travel abroad from any airport in the country, we are confident of arresting him," said Ajay Chowdhary, Joint CP Delhi Police.