Political tensions flared in Ballia following the arrest of BJP leader Munna Bahadur Singh, accused of assaulting the Superintending Engineer of the Power Department, Shrilal Singh.
On Wednesday, BJP workers, along with members of the Karni Sena and other local organizations, staged a strong protest outside the District Magistrate’s office, demanding Munna Bahadur’s immediate release and legal action against the power department staff.
The protestors raised slogans in support of Singh, claiming that false charges were filed against him. They demanded formation of an independent committee to investigate the incident.
BJP workers warned that if their demands were not met, they would intensify the protest by staging sit-ins at all tehsils in the district.
Karni Sena’s district president also extended full support to Munna Bahadur Singh, alleging that the case against him was fabricated and politically motivated. Both organizations echoed a unified demand for his release and accountability from the power department.
The incident occurred when Singh reportedly went to the superintending engineer’s office to raise concerns over erratic electricity supply. During a heated exchange with the official, he allegedly hurled a shoe at him.
Following a complaint, the police arrested him and reportedly had to drag him into the police vehicle when he resisted arrest. A video of the incident has since gone viral, further fueling public outcry.
This episode has not only ignited political unrest but has also put the police and administrative actions under scrutiny.