Uttar Pradesh Government Responds to Barabanki Lathi Charge: Key Officials Removed, Investigation Underway

The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has taken decisive action following a lathi charge incident at Shri Ram Swaroop Memorial University in Barabanki on Monday. The incident, which resulted in injuries to numerous students and ABVP activists, has escalated into a political dispute. State Minister Satish Chandra Sharma visited the hospital to check on the injured. In response to the incident, CM Yogi has ordered the removal of CO Nagar Harshit Chauhan and the transfer of the Kotwali in-charge Ramkishan Rana and the entire police force at the Gadiya police post. Inspector General of Police, Ayodhya Range, Praveen Kumar, is leading the investigation. The Ayodhya Commissioner and IG of Police visited the university to investigate the incident. They gathered evidence concerning degree-related issues and the lathi charge. CM Yogi expressed his dissatisfaction with the incident during a cabinet meeting. He demanded detailed reports regarding degree matters from the Ayodhya Commissioner, and a comprehensive report on the lathi charge from the IG Ayodhya. According to IG Praveen Kumar, the investigation is ongoing, and strict action will be taken against those found culpable. The incident has caused anger among ABVP activists and students, with a protest held in Lucknow. The police intervened, detaining several activists. The opposition, including Akhilesh Yadav, criticized the Yogi government, and Yadav shared a video on social media, criticizing the government’s response.