In a serious law and order incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Prakash Dwivedi has been accused of slapping Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Shukla during an official crackdown on illegal mining activities in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh.
What Happened?
According to official reports, SDM Amit Shukla and Circle Officer (CO) Naraini were conducting a mining inspection on June 23 when they intercepted two overloaded gravel trucks near the Khurhand police post. While efforts were being made to seize and secure the vehicles, a convoy of nearly 30 individuals in six vehicles—allegedly supporters of MLA Prakash Dwivedi—surrounded the SDM’s vehicle and physically assaulted the officials and driver.
Witnesses claim that MLA Dwivedi himself arrived on the spot and slapped SDM Shukla, sparking outrage among the administrative and police personnel. The assault didn’t stop there—a police constable who tried to intervene was also reportedly slapped.
FIR Filed, But MLA Not Named
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Khurhand police station under sections related to rioting, criminal intimidation, and assault on a public servant. The FIR names four individuals—Lalit Gupta, Alok Singh, Chhotku Dwivedi, and Badku Dwivedi—and mentions 25–30 unidentified persons. Interestingly, MLA Prakash Dwivedi has not been named in the FIR despite video evidence circulating online.
Viral Videos Spark Outrage
Several clips from the scene have gone viral on social media, appearing to show the MLA in a verbal and physical confrontation with the SDM. The videos have triggered widespread condemnation from civil society and opposition parties.
Political Reactions
The Samajwadi Party and Congress have strongly criticized the incident, accusing the BJP of shielding its leaders involved in unlawful activities. Opposition leaders demanded immediate action and the inclusion of the MLA’s name in the FIR.
Meanwhile, MLA Dwivedi has denied all physical assault allegations, stating that he only “reprimanded the SDM verbally for overstepping his authority.”
Official Response
District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Banda confirmed that immediate action was taken. “No one will be spared,” said the DM. CO Naraini is heading the investigation and promised unbiased action against all those found guilty.
This incident comes just days after another BJP MLA from Jhansi faced backlash over alleged misconduct on the Vande Bharat Express—raising concerns about rising arrogance among public representatives in the state.
The Bigger Picture
The Banda assault raises troubling questions about the influence of political power in administrative actions, particularly in sectors like illegal mining where political-criminal nexuses are often reported.
Will this be another case of political shielding, or will the law take its course?
Stay tuned to The News Drill for unbiased updates on this developing story.
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