Patna: A high-voltage drama was witnessed at the Patna collectorate on Monday when police arrested Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) candidate Veena Manvi, backed by Tej Pratap Yadav, moments after she filed her nomination papers for the July 30 Bankipur assembly byelection in connection with a 2009 fraud case.As Veena stepped out of the nomination venue, police personnel moved in to execute a non-bailable warrant issued by the judicial magistrate first class-9 on Feb 26 this year. On seeing the police, she allegedly tried to flee, triggering a brief commotion outside the district magistrate’s office. After a short chase, police detained her and took her to Gandhi Maidan police station.While being taken away, Veena raised slogans and accused the BJP of orchestrating the action. “The BJP is behind this. I have not committed any crime. They are taking this action because they fear defeat in the election,” she alleged.According to police, the arrest was made in connection with a complaint lodged against her in 2009. City superintendent of police (central) Mamta Kalyani said a permanent arrest warrant had been pending against Veena for several years.“This pertains to a 2009 case. A permanent arrest warrant (red warrant) had been issued against her in that case, and she had been absconding since then. When police received information that she was coming to file her nomination papers, a team was deployed and she was arrested,” Mamta said.Police said Veena faces charges under Sections 403 and 418 of the Indian Penal Code in connection with allegations of criminal breach of trust and cheating.Apart from the 2009 case, she is also facing other criminal proceedings. A fraud and cheating case was registered against her at Kankarbagh police station in 2016, while separate cases related to alleged Dalit harassment and cybercrime are also pending.Following the arrest, Tej Pratap condemned the police action, alleging that his party candidate had been falsely implicated and that her arrest on nomination day amounted to interference in the democratic process. He said he stood firmly with Veena and, if necessary, would approach the court.
