UP police deny BJP lawmaker's manhandling claim

Police in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and BJP lawmaker Rajkumar Sahyogi have blamed each other for a scuffle at a police station in Gonda. Taking note of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the police chief to ensure effective action in the case.

Aligarh:The video of a BJP MLA from Iglas who was allegedly involved in a brawl at the Gonda police station with a police officer has gone viral. In the video, the policeman can be seen asking the MLA why he heckled an officer on duty.

MLA Rajkumar Sahyogi, however, can be seen saying that he was disrespected first and was not treated properly. He also added that the police officer misbehaved with him after which the matter spiralled.

Sahyogi told the media that he was manhandled at Gonda police station where he went to protest the filing of a case against a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) member.

Local policemen told reporters that a spat with Station house officer (SHO) Anuj Kumar Saini took place after the legislator misbehaved.

Taking note of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the police chief to ensure effective action in the case.

"The DGP has issued directions to suspend the SHO with immediate effect and transfer the ASP (rural) from the district. The DGP also directed IG zone Aligarh to give his detailed report in the matter," Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi has said.

After the incident, about half a dozen BJP MLAs conveyed to the chief minister that they wanted action against the police officer who reportedly misbehaved with Sahyogi.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also on Thursday termed the alleged manhandling of a BJP legislator "worrying" and demanded a "proper" investigation into it.

This incident needs to be properly investigated and strict action should be taken against the guilty, the BSP chief demanded.

(With inputs from agencies)