FIR against Raj Babbar for flouting poll code

GHAZIABAD: An FIR was lodged against filmstar-turned-politician, Raj Babbar, in Hapur district on Wednesday for allegedly violating the model code of conduct.

Babbar, the Congress candidate for the Ghaziabad Lok Sabha seat, had allegedly overshot the time limit fixed by election officials for conducting a roadshow in Pilkhuwa town on March 25 evening.

Hapur police said that, other than Babbar, five other local leaders have also been named in the FIR. This includes former Congress MP from Ghaziabad, Surendra Prakash Goel. "The FIR has been registered at Pilakhuwa police station under Section 188 of the IPC. Election officials have been apprised of the incident," said DSP Raj Kumar Singh.

Police said though Babbar was given permission to end campaigning at 8.30pm, the programme ended at 10pm. Babbar clarified that he could not stick to the stipulated time limit because a large crowd had gathered around his vehicle on his route, delaying his return journey.

"It was difficult to negotiate the way out of the crowds that had gathered in the narrow lanes of the town. It was not possible for me to change the return route either," said Babbar.