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Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Akhilesh Yadav Condemns Hair-Cutting Incident, Questions UP Government's Response
Political tensions have escalated in Uttar Pradesh following controversial incidents involving storytellers in Etawah district, prompting Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav to launch a scathing attack against the state government on Thursday. The former Chief Minister delivered sharp criticism during a press conference in Lucknow, questioning the administration's handling of the situation and its implications for India's international reputation. Akhilesh Yadav expressed outrage over reports that a 16-year-old storyteller had his hair forcibly cut during the incident, describing the act as deeply humiliating and questioning the state government's failure to prevent such occurrences. The SP leader repeatedly emphasized the traumatic nature of the assault, stating that having one's hair cut against their will would be devastating for any individual, particularly someone so young. During his address, Akhilesh Yadav directly challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, asking why the state's top official appeared to be "sleeping" while such incidents unfolded. He criticized the timing of the government's response, suggesting that authorities failed to act when their intervention was most needed, allowing the situation to deteriorate and storytellers to face continued harassment throughout the night. The SP President raised concerns about India's global image, questioning what kind of "Vishwa Guru" or world teacher the country could claim to be when such incidents occur within its borders. He suggested that international observers, including global leaders, would be watching how India handles such matters, potentially affecting the nation's reputation on the world stage. In a particularly pointed comment, Akhilesh Yadav referenced former US President Donald Trump, speculating about the international reaction if news of the Etawah incident reached global leaders. He implied that such knowledge could have significant diplomatic consequences, emphasizing the need for the state government to address these issues more effectively to maintain India's standing in the international community. The controversy has its roots in ongoing tensions involving storytellers in the Etawah region, with reports suggesting a pattern of harassment and assault against individuals from the community. Akhilesh Yadav drew parallels to previous incidents, mentioning a case in Mahoba where a married Dalit family faced humiliation over footwear-related issues, suggesting a broader pattern of social discrimination and administrative failure. The situation intensified on Thursday when members of the Ahir Regiment and Yadav organizations staged a demonstration outside Bakewar police station in Etawah. The protesters demanded the release of Gagan Yadav and called for action against those responsible for the assault on storytellers. The demonstration turned violent with reports of stone pelting and gunfire, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding the incident. The protesters blocked roads and created significant disruption, reflecting the community's anger over the treatment of storytellers and the perceived inadequate response from law enforcement agencies. The confrontation at the police station underscores the depth of resentment among community members and their determination to seek justice for the alleged victims. Akhilesh Yadav emphasized his commitment to constitutional principles during his criticism, contrasting his approach with what he portrayed as the state government's failure to uphold law and order. He questioned why such incidents continue to occur under the current administration, suggesting systematic failures in protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining social harmony. The SP leader's reference to the Chief Minister's early morning routine appeared to be a pointed jab at Yogi Adityanath's well-known habit of starting his day at 4 AM, implying that despite his early rising, the CM failed to address the nighttime harassment of storytellers in Etawah. This criticism highlights the political nature of the dispute and the opposition's strategy to hold the ruling party accountable for law and order issues across the state.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Violence in Etawah after case against two ‘kathavachaks'
: Violence erupted in Etawah district on Thursday after the police registered a case against two Bhagavat kathavachaks (religious storytellers), accused of concealing their caste identity during a discourse at Dandarpur village. The FIR was filed on allegations of caste-based misconduct. It triggered widespread protests by members of the 'Ahir Regiment', a socio-cultural body, leading to road blockades, slogan-shouting and stone-pelting incidents. According to police officials familiar with the matters, the protesters began hurling stones when they were denied entry into the village. (For representation only) Tensions had been simmering since the two kathavachaks were allegedly humiliated during a Bhagavat katha on June 21 at Dandarpur after it emerged that they were Yadavs. The two were reportedly made to perform acts of penance, including being tonsured and forced to rub their noses at the feet of women — acts that sparked public outrage and calls for legal action. Police had earlier arrested six individuals over the incident. However, villagers demanded further action, alleging that the kathavachaks had concealed their identity during discussions around their engagement. On Thursday, police registered cases against Sant Singh Yadav and Mukut Singh Yadav. One of the organisers, Jai Prakash Tiwari, who lodged the FIR, stated that had their caste identity been disclosed earlier, they would not have been engaged for the discourse. Later in the day, over 300 members of the Ahir Regiment staged a protest outside the Bakewar police station. Shouting slogans, the demonstrators blocked the busy Kanpur-Agra highway, disrupting traffic for over an hour. Police personnel from Bakewar, Bharthana, Lavedhi and Usrahar were deployed to disperse the protesters. A section of the crowd dispersed on the police's arrival but several others moved towards Dandarpur village. They were intercepted on the Ludhiyani-Nibadikala Road, where a heated exchange with security personnel escalated into violence. According to police officials familiar with the matters, the protesters began hurling stones when they were denied entry into the village. Several police vehicles were damaged in the attack. 'The force acted with restraint and reinforcement was called in,' said circle officer Atul Pradhan, who was present at the scene, adding that the police were in the process of filing the FIR. The police have detained six persons in connection with the violence. There is a substantial police presence in and around Dandarpur now, where villagers have reportedly largely confined themselves indoors.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Protests erupt in Etawah over FIR against Yadav religious narrators
Violence broke out in Dadarpur village under Bakewar police station limits in Etawah district on Thursday (June 26, 2025), after several Yadav caste-based social organisations protested against the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against two kathawachaks (religious narrators) under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Calling the FIR 'wrong' and 'nefarious,' the protestors demanded strict action against those accused of allegedly torturing the two religious narrators during a religious event held earlier. The protest turned violent as the crowd attempted to reach the Bakewar police station and reportedly pelted stones. Police resorted to firing shots in the air to disperse the agitators. 'In the religious narrator case, some organisations like Ahir Regiment and Yadav Organisation surrounded Bakewar police station and demanded the withdrawal of the case against the storytellers. Angry protesters created a ruckus. People were pacified and removed from the police station. However, the protesters moved towards the Agra–Kanpur National Highway,' said Shrish Gautam, Superintendent of Police (Rural), Etawah. He added, 'Legal action will be taken against those who take the law in their hands. It is being ensured that law and order is not disturbed anywhere.' Supporters of the kathawachaks accused the authorities of targeting religious figures from the Yadav community while allegedly shielding individuals from upper castes involved in the incident. The controversy began when four persons were arrested for allegedly assaulting the two narrators—identified as Mani Yadav and his associate Sant Kumar Yadav - accused of holding them captive, torturing them, forcibly tonsuring their heads, and sprinkling urine on them to 'purify' them. Subsequently, a counter FIR was registered against the two narrators under Section 299 (acts committed with intent to insult religious beliefs), and Section 318(4) of the BNS (cheating), on charges of misleading people during religious events and concealing their caste identity through forged documentation. The incident has taken a political turn with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accusing the BJP-led State government of bias. 'It is a well-planned conspiracy. But such incidents cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. If the government fails to conduct a fair investigation and action, we will take to the streets in protest,' Mr. Yadav said.
