Minister Srinivas Goud fires into air from PSO's gun in 'Aazadi' rally

HYDERABAD: Telangana Tourism Minister V Srinivas Goud was caught on camera firing bullets into the air from a police rifle during a rally to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's independence from Zilla Parishad grounds to Tank Bund in Mahbubnagar on Saturday.

The Minister's viral video has prompted criticism from netizens on social media. Many questioned the minister and asked the police as to who authorised him to shoot into the air during such a huge gathering.

It's shocking to witness a Cabinet minister grab a firearm from his personal security officer (PSO) when he lacked the appropriate permits and licence to use it. The occasion does not call for gunshots into the air; it is not a ceremonial event, and the minister is not authorised to do so, but he did it nonetheless, despite the presence of the SP of Mahabubnagar K Venkateshwarlu.

Minister says it's rubber bullet & he can fire

However, Minister Srinivas Goud said that he fired a rubber bullet. Responding to the criticism, he asserted that he was a member of the All India Rifle Association and that as a sports minister, he was authorised to fire. "False information is being spread about me,"he claimed.

"A rubber bullet is usually fired to start any rally. The District SP should have precise information, and I only fired when the SP approved permission. I will resign if it is proven that I fired an original bullet," he said.