Sitapur, Sep 11 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Urban Development Rakesh Rathore Guru broke down at a police station here while protesting against the detention of BJP workers following a confrontation during an anti-encroachment drive and alleged that his workers were being treated unfairly.
The dispute arose on Wednesday during a road-widening drive in the Rampa Mahal locality when BJP workers and municipal officials reportedly confronted each other during the removal of alleged encroachments. Some workers were detained on allegations of misbehaviour with officials.
Rathore later reached the Kotwali police station with supporters and questioned the handling of the matter on Thursday evening. Speaking to reporters there, he became emotional and broke down.
“This is the first time in my life that I have had to come to a police station in connection with any matter,” Rathore said.
He alleged that local “history-sheeter” Mujib Ahmad, whom he described as a “mafia figure” facing several criminal cases, was released soon after his arrest and was later photographed with officials, while BJP workers were detained and “not even provided chairs to sit on”.
Rathore said he had spoken to the municipal executive officer, police officials and senior officers, including the superintendent of police, from afternoon till late night, seeking the release of BJP workers but received only assurances.
The minister said the two people involved in the confrontation were his close friend Jitendra Mishra and “nephew-like” associate Saurabh Mishra, whom he had known since the latter’s childhood.
“If any abusive language was used during the conversation, I personally apologise for it,” Rathore said, adding that young people could sometimes lose their temper and the administration should act with sensitivity.
“I have come here for the respect of my workers. If there are no workers, then where will the BJP be?” he said.
However, Additional SP (North) Alok Kumar Singh described the incident as a routine development during the anti-encroachment drive.
Police personnel interacted with the concerned youth during the removal of encroachments and were initially unaware that he was a BJP worker, Singh said.
The situation escalated during the interaction, following which police intervened to bring it under control. PTI COR KIS PRK
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