Tensions in Etawah Over Alleged Caste-Based Tonsuring Incident

## Tensions Rise in Etawah After Alleged Caste-Based Tonsuring Incident **Etawah/Lucknow (UP), Jun 27 (PTI)** — Days after an incident involving the alleged caste-based tonsuring of two Bhagwat Katha preachers, Mukut Mani Yadav and his aide Sant Singh Yadav, in Dandarpur village, Etawah, tensions escalated as protests erupted. Members of the Yadav community took to the streets, demanding the arrest of all accused and withdrawal of cases against the victims. Large groups began assembling near the Agra-Kanpur highway and in the Bakewar area. Purported videos showed unidentified individuals throwing stones at police officers, who responded by firing warning shots in the air. In Lucknow, UP minister Jaiveer Singh accused Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav of giving a "casteist spin" to the incident and inciting violence. Etawah Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava mentioned that information about potential protests was received via social media, prompting police deployment. Despite efforts to calm the protestors, some attempted to forcefully enter Dandarpur village, creating a potential breach of peace. SSP Srivastava stated that 19 individuals were detained and 13 vehicles seized, assuring that law and order remain under control. Earlier in the day, hundreds of Yadav community members gathered to protest alleged police actions against the victims and demanded the arrest of accused individuals. SP (Rural) Sreesh Chandra reported that police initially tried to halt the advancing crowd, which led to a heated exchange. The police resorted to using lathis to disperse protesters, who retaliated by pelting stones, damaging a police jeep. Some protesters retreated towards the Agra-Kanpur highway. The incident on June 22-23 involved two preachers, humiliated after it was discovered they were from the Yadav caste. A viral video showed them being forced to reveal their caste and being punished by alleged "upper-caste" men. Four individuals — Ashish Tiwari, Uttam Kumar Awasthi, Nikki Awasthi, and Manu Dubey — were arrested following the incident's circulation. Akhilesh Yadav condemned the act as a violation of constitutional values, threatening a large-scale movement if action is delayed. UP minister Singh emphasized swift administrative response and reaffirmed the government's commitment to uncover the incident's truth and ensure justice. He accused Akhilesh Yadav of irresponsibly inciting violence for political gain. Singh stated that the BJP respects Sanatan culture and opposes casteism, denouncing any attempts to divide society along caste lines. He assured strict action against anyone involved in taking the law into their own hands.

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