Bettiah, Jan. 23: West Champaran district police have ordered the arrest of actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha for violating the model code of conduct during the Assembly polls in October-November last year. Sinha is a BJP MP from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency.

Bettiah superintendent of police Nishant Kumar Tiwari ordered Sinha’s arrest late on Saturday night after an inquiry found him guilty. Tiwari issued the order before leaving for New Delhi, where he is to be felicitated by President Pratibha Patil on January 25 for his excellent performance and management of the central paramilitary force during the Assembly polls.

Tiwari told The Telegraph that he has already directed the officer-in-charge of Gaunaha police station to attach Sinha’s property if he is found absconding in the case.

An FIR was lodged against Sinha last year for landing his helicopter without permission at Belwa Bahuari village under Gaunaha police station area of West Champaran to campaign for BJP candidate Bhagirathi Devi.

He also addressed a public meeting to garner support for the party candidate.

According to reports, cricketer-turned-MP Navjot Singh Sidhu had to conduct an election meeting in favour of the party candidate at the Belwa Bahuari village but when Sinha’s chopper landed at the village by mistake, he was forced by the party workers to address the meeting. For campaigning without permission, the magistrate on duty, Sunil Kumar Choubey, lodged a case for violation of the model code of conduct against Sinha.

When contacted, West Champaran district president of BJP Sanjay Pandey told The Telegraph that because of lack of wisdom on part of the magistrate on duty this order has been issued. “The magistrate should have dealt with the situation wisely,” Pandey said.