In a shocking escalation of administrative tensions in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch PCS officer, has been suspended by the state government immediately after tendering his resignation. The controversy erupted when Agnihotri publicly accused the District Magistrate of using the derogatory term ‘Pandit’ during a phone call, branding it as an insult to Sanatan Dharma and multiple communities across the state.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Agnihotri expressed profound disillusionment with the UP government’s system. He recounted how the DM received instructions over a call referring to him as ‘Pandit has gone mad.’ ‘Pandit symbolizes Sanatan culture,’ he asserted. ‘It’s a term used for Brahmins, Kayasthas, Thakurs, and others – not confined to one caste. This is humiliating and unacceptable, an injustice to society at large.’
The officer’s grievances stem from his outspoken criticism of government policies, particularly new UGC guidelines that he claims discriminate against general category students and could incite caste-based unrest on campuses. He also highlighted an incident involving Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, alleging administrative disrespect towards saints and cultural symbols during public events like the Magh Mela.
Agnihotri further alleged being held captive overnight at the DM’s camp office under false pretenses. ‘They called me for personal reasons, but small questions shouldn’t take all night,’ he said, demanding the DM appear publicly to answer queries. Shankaracharya himself called to offer blessings, praising Agnihotri’s courage in upholding principles.
On the administration’s side, ADM City Saurabh Dubey clarified that a team visited Agnihotri’s residence on Monday to address his concerns. ‘We urged him to take rest if needed and share any issues,’ Dubey said. ‘But he repeatedly dismissed us, insisting we wouldn’t understand.’
This standoff has ignited debates on administrative accountability, cultural sensitivity, and officer morale in Uttar Pradesh, with many viewing Agnihotri’s suspension as punitive over principled dissent. As the row intensifies, questions loom over how the state will handle such internal fractures.