A clash broke out between Samajwadi Party (SP) workers and the police on Sunday when Chandauli MP Virendra Singh tried to reach Manikarnika Ghat along with his supporters.
Considering the security situation, the police administration stopped Samajwadi Party leaders at various locations in the city and detained several of them.
Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh was also stopped by the police from going to Manikarnika Ghat. He staged a dharna with his supporters outside his residence in Tagore Town Colony, Ardal Bazar.
Virendra Singh said that on the instructions of party president Akhilesh Yadav, a delegation of the Samajwadi Party intended to visit Manikarnika Ghat on Sunday to ascertain the truth about the desecration of idols. “Initially, they were given permission to go with a few people, but later force was used at various places, and workers were confined to their homes. As soon as I stepped out of my residence, I too was stopped. What truth are the government and the district administration trying to hide? Why are we being prevented from going to the ghat?” he asked.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Neetu Katyayan said that MP Virendra Singh’s residence is located near the spot where he is sitting on a dharna with his supporters. He is seeking permission to visit the ghat. Discussions are underway with the District Magistrate and the administration on this issue. Barricades have been erected, with PAC and police personnel from several police stations deployed for security reasons. Permission had initially been granted by the District Magistrate, but leaders of the same party later called for a demonstration at Lahurabir, due to which the permission has been withheld for now.
Meanwhile, SP leader Lalu Yadav was placed under house arrest in the Nakkaas area under the Kotwali police station.
Earlier, an 11-member delegation had been formed on the instructions of Akhilesh Yadav to visit Manikarnika Ghat.