KCA chief's son held for carrying pistol

Taslimuddin Siddiqui, son of Kanpur Cricket Association's chief Naimuddin Siddiqui, was on Wednesday arrested for possessing a pistol inside the Green Park Stadium, venue of the first cricket Test between India [ Images ] and South Africa [ Images ].

Taslimuddin, alias Pasha, had come to the stadium to invite cricketer Mohammad Saif, brother of Indian middle-order bat Mohammad Kaif, for a prize distribution ceremony of a social organisation, of which he is the president.

He was arrested with the pistol near the media centre of the Stadium.

Pasha told the police that he had a valid arms license.

He claimed he was carrying the arm for his safety as he had been receiving several threats.

Pasha, who also owns a chemical factory in Kanpur, entered the stadium from Gate Number two in his car which had a car pass issued by the District Police. He also had a special pass, allowing entry to all enclosures in the stadium.

After arresting him, the police brought Pasha to the Kotwali Police Station where a case was lodged against him.

He would be produced before the court on Thursday, police sources said.

The District Administration had prohibited carrying arms inside the ground during the match.