SP legislator Ashu Malik says Ayodhya MLA thrashed him

Lucknow: An MLC loyal to Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav alleged on Monday that he was beaten up at the residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Ashu Malik, also a supporter of state party chief Shivpal Yadav, told the media that he was slapped and beaten by Ayodhya legislator Pawan Pandey and another Akhilesh Yadav aide.

He said the attack took place when the Chief Minister was not present.

"When the CM arrived, he rescued me. I will always remain indebted to him for saving my life," a visibly shaken Malik said. 

He also said he will file an FIR against Pawan Pandey for the attack on him. 

Malik was at the centre of a spat at a meeting earlier in the day when he was heckled on the stage when Akhilesh Yadav called him to explain an article published in an English daily.

An incensed Akhilesh Yadav had alleged that the article, in which he was likened to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, was planted at the behest of Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh.