Varanasi: Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) MLA from Sirathu, Pallavi Patel, along with her supporters, was arrested on Monday near the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) gate while attempting to stage a protest over the alleged NEET paper leak. Police detained Patel and the group and took them to Bada Gaon police station.
The MLA and her supporters were released late in the evening on a personal bond, confirmed ACP (Pindra) Prateek Kumar.
Patel reached the BHU gate in an autorickshaw after learning that police had stopped party leaders from leaving their homes and deployed a heavy force on the stretch between the BHU gate and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency office. Supporters had arranged a makeshift dais near Lanka, but soon after Patel arrived, police took the group into custody and moved them into a truck positioned at the site.
DCP Kashi Zone Gaurav Banswal said around 40 protesters were detained for attempting to hold a demonstration without prior permission from the concerned authority. Police stated that the gathering was stopped to prevent disruption of public order.
Commissioner of Police Mohit Agrawal, who monitored arrangements along with Additional CP (Law and Order) Shivhari Meena and other officials, said tight security was put in place because multiple organisations had issued calls for protest without seeking permission. He added that police asked the groups to submit their demands through a memorandum to the competent authority, but when they remained adamant and the likelihood of disorder increased, action was taken.
During the detention, Patel raised slogans and said her fight against injustice faced by youth would continue. Party members said she was travelling to Varanasi from Lucknow via Jaunpur and was stopped by police in Jaunpur before reaching the city, but managed to arrive and reach the BHU area despite the restrictions.
Police maintained barricading and continued monitoring movement in the area around BHU and the route leading to the Prime Minister’s constituency office as a precautionary measure.
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About the Author: Rajeev Dikshit reports from Varanasi, covering all beats across 10 districts in east UP. With specialisation in political, legal, crime, and developmental stories, he also explores religious, cultural, sports, lifestyle, and business stories. He enjoys writing features and long-form content, delivering comprehensive and insightful coverage to readers.
