HYDERABAD: Excise minister V Srinivas Goud shot into the limelight for wrong reasons on Saturday, when he whipped out an Insas rifle and fired in the air to kick-start a freedom rally in Mahbubnagar.
While the Opposition BJP demanded Goud's sack, the TRS minister claimed he fired dummy bullets that don't endanger lives. But with the viral video sparking off a controversy, police and district administration went into firefighting mode and rallied around the minister.
Two crowded events, presided over by the minister, were organised by top district officials, including collector S Venkat Rao and SP R Venkateshwarlu.
Goud blasts charges of firing live ammo, asks for evidence
Both top officials watched while a cop handed over the rifle to the minister. Talking to TOI, the SP said, blank ammunition was fired. "Dummy bullets trigger off a loud sound to kick-start rallies. A misinformation campaign is being spread," he said.
Goud told reporters he will quit politics, if it was proved he had fired a real bullet. "How can anyone level false allegations without evidence? You should ask the district SP, who handed over the weapon to me," he said.
BJP national vice-president DK Aruna sought Goud's dismissal from cabinet. "How can a minister say he fired rubber bullets? And also confess the gun was provided to him by the SP. This is illegal. The DGP should suspend the police officer. Cops are dancing to the tune of TRS netas," she said
