Politics – FIR Filed Against SP MP After Protest Outside DIG Office
Politics – A fresh political controversy has emerged in western Uttar Pradesh after police registered a case against Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament Iqra Hasan in connection with a demonstration held outside the Deputy Inspector General’s office in Saharanpur earlier this week.
The FIR, filed at Sadar Bazar Police Station, accuses the Kairana MP and several supporters of blocking traffic, disrupting public movement, and interfering with official duties during a protest linked to the Monu Kashyap murder investigation. Police officials stated that the action followed a detailed review of the events that unfolded on May 19 near the DIG office.
Protest Linked to Murder Investigation
The demonstration was reportedly organised to demand faster action in the murder case of Monu Kashyap, a resident of Dashale village in Shamli district, who was allegedly killed on April 21. Family members of the victim had reportedly approached multiple authorities in recent weeks seeking progress in the investigation.
Iqra Hasan visited the DIG office accompanied by relatives of the deceased and party supporters. According to officials, the gathering later turned into a sit-in protest outside the office premises after the delegation failed to receive immediate assurances regarding the case.
Police alleged that the protesters occupied the road outside the office complex, causing heavy traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters in the area. Authorities also claimed that the protest violated restrictions already imposed in the district.
Several Individuals Named in FIR
Along with Hasan, seven other individuals have been named in the case, while around 25 unidentified people were also booked under different legal provisions. The complaint was lodged by the officer in charge of the Civil Lines police outpost.
Investigators said CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media are being examined to identify additional participants mentioned in the FIR. Officials indicated that more legal steps may be taken depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The development has intensified political activity in Saharanpur, with Samajwadi Party workers criticising the police action and calling the FIR politically motivated.
Detention During Demonstration
According to reports, the situation became tense after Hasan allegedly continued the protest outside the DIG office. A woman police inspector, accompanied by security personnel, later escorted the MP to the women’s police station.
Hasan later claimed she was kept there for nearly ten minutes. During the protest, police detained five people on charges related to disturbing public peace. Those taken into custody included former state minister Mangeram Kashyap along with Anuj, Ajay, Shishpal, and Tejpal.
The detainees were booked under preventive sections and later sent to jail. Hasan accused the administration of acting without properly informing her about the legal action being initiated against party workers and supporters.
Sit-In Continues Outside Police Station
Following the detention of the five men, Hasan and her supporters staged another protest outside the Sadar Bazar Police Station demanding their immediate release. The demonstration reportedly continued for several hours, beginning in the evening and ending late at night.
Witnesses present during the protest described heated exchanges between police officers and the MP. During the confrontation, Hasan allegedly challenged the officials while expressing anger over the arrests and the handling of the murder investigation.
The five detainees were released the following day after administrative discussions.
Administration Assures Action
Late in the evening, City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh reached the police station and held discussions with protesters. According to local officials, assurances were given that the detained individuals would be released the next morning.
After receiving the assurance, Hasan withdrew the protest. However, tensions resurfaced after copies of the FIR became public, prompting renewed protests and criticism from Samajwadi Party workers across the district.
Political Reactions Continue
The controversy later extended beyond Saharanpur as Hasan reportedly travelled to Lucknow the same night along with a person facing ration-related grievances. During the visit, they met Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who later provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the affected individual.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing political confrontation between opposition leaders and local authorities in Uttar Pradesh over law-and-order related issues and public protests.