How a local land dispute snowballed into a full blown political and caste based standoff.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – A seemingly minor incident involving a stray animal entering a farm in Chhitouna village under the Chaubepur police station has now escalated into a caste conflict, marred by political favoritism, administrative inertia, and rising social tensions. What started as a local fight between two communities Rajbhars and the Rajputs has now turned the village into a political battleground with deepening caste divisions.
The Beginning: Stray Cattle, Land Dispute, and Violent Clash
The issue began when a stray animal entered a farm belonging to Sanjay Singh, the only Rajput (Kshatriya) family in the village and a local BJP booth president. This incident sparked a verbal altercation between members of the Rajbhar community and the Singh family, escalating into a physical clash. Both sides reportedly suffered injuries, including five Rajbhars and Sanjay Singh himself, who was critically wounded. His two sons, one of whom is a minor, were also involved in defending the family.
Political Pressure: Minister Anil Rajbhar’s Alleged Interference
When the matter reached the Chaubepur police station, it allegedly took a political turn. According to local sources, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar, who hails from the same Rajbhar community, intervened by sending his PRO to the police station and exerting pressure to ensure that only the Rajput side specifically Sanjay Singh and his two sons were named in the FIR. The two sons were arrested, despite one being a minor, and Sanjay Singh was hospitalized.
Despite being the victim of the initial attack, Sanjay Singh’s family struggled to get their FIR registered, allegedly due to ministerial pressure. It was only after sustained protests by Kshatriya organizations that the police registered a counter FIR against members of the Rajbhar community.
Selective Justice? The Rise of Political Caste Patronage
Critics allege that Anil Rajbhar, who was elevated in the BJP as an alternative to Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) leader Om Prakash Rajbhar, is now using his influence to protect members of his own caste and suppress the other side even if the victim belongs to the BJP itself.
Observers say this is an alarming example of caste based favoritism in governance, where “being on the right side of power” outweighs justice.
Political Tourism: SP Enters the Scene
As the incident gained traction, the Samajwadi Party (SP) also entered the picture. A delegation of SP leaders visited the village, allegedly without proper permission, despite the sensitive environment. A massive crowd accompanied them, and protests were held outside the house of Sanjay Singh who, along with his family, was not even present (hospitalized or jailed). This gathering further aggravated tensions.
The question remains why did the police allow such a politically charged gathering in a sensitive zone? Was this mere incompetence, or was there a larger political intention?
Arvind Rajbhar’s Provocative Entry and Viral Video
In a move that intensified the crisis, Arvind Rajbhar, son of SBSP leader and current UP minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, visited the village with hundreds of his supporters. Sloganeering took place, and attempts were allegedly made to approach Sanjay Singh’s home.
A viral video later surfaced in which supporters of Arvind Rajbhar were seen abusing and making casteist remarks against the Rajput community. Despite this, the police have not initiated any action against Arvind or his supporters raising serious questions about bias and selective law enforcement.
Karni Sena Responds: Calls for Direct Action
The Karni Sena, a prominent Rajput rights organization, has now entered the fray, calling for a showdown (आरपार की लड़ाई). They have announced a mass rally or demonstration on July 15, signaling that the Rajput community is no longer willing to remain silent.
This could push the region into further unrest unless proactive measures are taken.
Police Caught in a Political Crossfire
The local administration now finds itself paralyzed. With pressure from all sides, the police are unsure whom to act against:
- Should they act against Anil Rajbhar, the BJP minister allegedly misusing his power?
- Against Arvind Rajbhar and his mob of supporters?
- Or against Sanjay Singh, the injured BJP booth president from the Rajput community?
This lack of clarity and firm decision making by the police has deepened public mistrust.
Voices from the Ground
Sanjay Singh’s family, still reeling from the trauma, told The News Drill:
“We were attacked on our own land. One of our sons is a minor. Instead of justice, we are being treated like criminals.”
Rajbhar community leaders, on the other hand, assert:
“We were provoked and attacked first. The FIRs against us are politically motivated.”
This he said she said narrative has now spiraled into full scale caste based polarization, with each community rallying behind their version of events.
Political Caste War: BJP vs SBSP vs SP
This incident has exposed cracks within the ruling coalition. While BJP’s Sanjay Singh is at the receiving end of alleged injustice, their own minister Anil Rajbhar is being seen as shielding his caste.
At the same time, SBSP, an ally of BJP, seems to be competing to establish its caste supremacy, and SP is using the opportunity to attack the Yogi-Modi government, hoping to galvanize backward caste votes.
Administrative Collapse and Rising Lawlessness
This incident demonstrates how the law and order system can completely collapse under political pressure. Allowing hundreds of people from both sides to enter a sensitive village shows that Varanasi Police has lost control over the situation.
The police have neither:
- Arrested the viral video culprit.
- Nor prevented unlawful assemblies.
- Nor protected the rights of the assaulted BJP worker.
What’s Next?
With the July 15th rally by Rajput organizations on the horizon, the situation in Chhitouna may get further destabilized. Observers warn that unless strong action is taken from the Chief Minister’s office or central BJP leadership, this may become a statewide caste issue with electoral implications.
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