Political Tensions Rise in Uttar Pradesh Over Alleged Assault on Storytellers
Incident Sparks Outrage in Etawah District
In the village of Dandarpur, located in Uttar Pradesh's Etawah district, a disturbing incident involving the alleged assault of a storyteller from the Yadav community has ignited political controversy. According to a police official, a video of the incident surfaced on social media, prompting law enforcement to arrest four individuals, including the main suspect. Reports indicate that the incident occurred during the late hours between Sunday and Monday. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava informed reporters that a case has been registered at the Bakeywar police station based on the complaint of the victim whose head was shaved. He confirmed that four individuals, including the primary accused, have been taken into custody, and the Additional Superintendent of Police has been assigned to investigate the matter. The SSP noted that the other party claims the storytellers concealed their caste.
In a conversation with journalists, the victim storyteller shared, "I previously ran a private school, but the government shut it down, leading me to start performing Bhagwat Katha and assist storyteller Mukut Mani." He recounted, "We were invited to perform Bhagwat Katha in Dandarpur village starting June 21. After being asked about our caste, I was subjected to harassment throughout the night, culminating in my hair being shaved off." In response to this incident, a delegation from the Samajwadi Party met with the victims and urged the SSP to ensure justice.
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Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav, the national president of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, expressed strong disapproval of the incident, warning that if stringent action is not taken within three days, he would call for a significant movement to protect the dignity of the community. Today, Akhilesh Yadav honored the victim storytellers at the Samajwadi Party office in Lucknow, providing them with financial assistance of ₹21,000 each, along with an announcement of additional support of ₹51,000 from the party. During the event, he listened to their stories and questioned why, if everyone can hear Bhagwat Katha, they cannot speak out.