Patna, July 13: Lalan Ram, former JDU MLA from Kutumba constituency in Aurangabad district, was today arrested on charges of flouting the liquor ban.

The action came a day after a video purportedly showing Lalan consuming alcohol and opposing chief minister Nitish Kumar's pitch for nationwide prohibition went viral and was also shown on various television channels. The Telegraph has not verified the veracity of the video.

"The former MLA has been arrested on charges of violating the ban on possession and consumption of liquor," excise assistant commissioner Omprakash Mandal said. "He has not only been caught drinking on camera, but was also seen openly revolting against the law imposing prohibition. He is being booked under various sections of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016."

According to Aurangabad SP Babu Ram, Lalan was arrested under Amba police station in Aurangabad district late in the evening. But Amba station house officer Rajesh Kumar Rajesh said: "Lalan came to the police station himself and was arrested."

In the video, the person purported to be Lalan is seen pouring from a beer bottle and drinking. He also said: "Wherever he (Nitish) will go, nobody will follow (liquor ban)." He said those with muscle power need not worry. Before his arrest he called the video a conspiracy to malign him. He also said the video was shot before prohibition was imposed.