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The Special MP/MLA Court Chaibasa on Thursday took cognizance against Jharkhand MLA Saryu Roy in a defamation case filed by Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta.

A defamation case was filed against Roy in connection with his accusation of misusing COVID-19 funds against Health Minister Banna Gupta.

According to Ranchi Police, Roy is booked under the Official Secrets Act and Sections 409,379,411,120B, and 420 of the Indian Penal Code.

On April 13, Roy had written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren demanding action against Gupta, accusing him of illegally accepting huge financial incentives in the form of a salary for 60 people in the Health Minister's cell, including himself, his personal assistant, and other staff.

In response, Banna Gupta called it an attempt to tarnish his image and served Roy with a legal notice demanding an unconditional apology or facing legal consequences.

Gupta called the allegation "false and baseless news" in the legal notice and demanded an unconditional apology.

Roy had then issued a statement saying that the notice is not worth replying to and said “let him initiate legal proceedings against me.”

Gupta then proceeded to file a defamation suit against Roy.

Further, Gupta had also stated that he would not accept the incentive payment for his cell. On moral grounds, he canceled the incentive amount and distributed it to the needy, the minister had added.

[Source: ANI]