Clash Erupts During Demolition Drive in Agra; Multiple Injuries Reported

Agra: A violent clash between police personnel and members of the Radha Soami Satsang Sabha resulted in several injuries during a demolition operation in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. Videos of the incident captured protesters pelting stones at the police, prompting a lathi-charge by law enforcement to regain control of the situation.

The confrontation unfolded when authorities attempted to dismantle unauthorized structures constructed by the religious organization on government-owned land. Demonstrators allegedly threw stones while police responded with force. These tumultuous clashes were documented on video.

The Radha Soami Satsang Sabha had received a notice to vacate the government land by the deadline of Friday. Law enforcement took action when the group did not comply with the evacuation order.

Addressing the situation, Special DG Law and Order Prashant Kumar stated, “The situation in Agra is now under control. Several senior officers are on-site, engaging with local residents. A sufficient number of police forces have been deployed throughout the area.” He also mentioned that stones were hurled at the police team by individuals with criminal intent, necessitating the use of minimal force to restore order.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav expressed his views on the matter, saying, “The followers of the Radhaswami sect are renowned worldwide for their spirituality, love, compassion, and satsang. Dayalbagh has always been a symbol of faith, harmony, service, and education. However, it appears that the authorities and the police administration in Dayalbagh are collaborating to serve the interests of BJP-affiliated land mafias. This constitutes a serious attack on the revered Indian tradition of Satsang, which peaceful Radhaswami followers vehemently oppose. The Samajwadi Party stands in solidarity with the Radhaswami Satsang, protesting this injustice and offering support in the effort to protect Dayalbagh. The public will not tolerate the BJP’s anti-religious actions.”

राधास्वामी मत के माननेवाले सम्पूर्ण विश्व में अपने अध्यात्म, प्रेम, करूणा और सत्संग के लिए अनुकरणीय हैं। दयालबाग सदैव से आस्था, सौहार्द, सेवा और शिक्षा का प्रतीक रहा है। दयालबाग की ज़मीन पर अब सत्ताधारी और पुलिस-प्रशासन मिलकर भाजपाई भू-माफ़ियों की स्वार्थ सिद्धि में लग गये हैं।… pic.twitter.com/G9QXfCoNWF

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) September 24, 2023