Kanpur-In the Bhitargaon area of Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, a disturbing incident occurred during a Buddha Katha event, involving demolition and firing. The miscreants vandalized chairs, tables, and tents, and even damaged the statue of Saint Ravidas on Monday late night.

In response to a complaint by the organizers, the police have registered a case against nine individuals, including Apna Dal MLA Saroj Kuril's PRO, Manish Tiwari, under 13 serious sections, including the SC/ST Act. The accused are currently being sought by law enforcement.

What led to the ruckus?

A nine-day Buddha Dhamma and Ambedkar knowledge discussion program had been ongoing day and night in Pahewa village since December 15. On the fourth day, after the conclusion of the night's session around 11:30, Prasad was distributed, and attendees returned home. At around 2 o'clock in the night, several unidentified individuals in multiple cars reached the venue, firing and vandalizing the area. Pintu Kushwaha, a sound personnel sleeping under the pandal, protested and was severely beaten, sustaining a head injury. He was promptly sent to the hospital for treatment.

Approximately a dozen miscreants wreaked havoc inside the pandal for about 22 minutes, tearing curtains, breaking chairs, and damaging pictures of Ambedkar and Buddha. The installed statue of Saint Ravidas was also broken. The assailants fled the scene after firing several rounds into the air.

Sadh police station incharge Satish Chandra Rathore, along with a police force, reached the spot upon receiving information. Additional police forces from nearby stations also arrived quickly. The authorities assured strict action against the accused, and the villagers gathered near the venue the next morning. A forensic team collected necessary evidence, including blood inside the pandal. The organizers filed a complaint, providing the names of some youths from Pahewa village. The police have registered the case and initiated an investigation into the matter. The accused include Apna Dal MLA Saroj Kuril's PRO Manish Tiwari, Chandrabhan Mishra, Golu Mishra, Shivam Mishra, Jitu Mishra, Arun Kotedar, Kinnar Mishra, and Vishambhar Mishra.

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