Tensions escalated in Dandarpur village of Etawah district on Friday following allegations of indecent behavior towards religious storytellers. The incident triggered a protest led by youth groups, resulting in a highway blockade and confrontations with the police. In response, authorities arrested 19 individuals and seized 13 motorcycles along with a vehicle displaying a Samajwadi Party (SP) flag.
According to officials, the protest began near Bakewar police station where a crowd of around 1,500 youths gathered and later moved to block the highway near Bakewar overbridge. Police cleared the jam within 15 minutes. The group then attempted to enter the village using alternate routes, prompting clashes when police tried to stop them. Some members of the crowd allegedly threw stones, damaging a police vehicle.
To control the situation, law enforcement carried out lathicharge and aerial firing. Authorities said the situation was tense but under control. Security forces from six nearby police stations were deployed in the area. The unrest followed a complaint filed against two religious speakers, which many protesters opposed.
Demonstrators raised slogans and demanded the release of a local youth leader.
Etawah SSP Brijesh Kumar Srivastava confirmed the arrests and said efforts are ongoing to maintain peace. Senior officials, including the DM and SSP, visited the village to assess the situation and assured residents of full security.
Police also reported that prior to the violence, groups were selectively restricting entry into the village based on identity, prompting early intervention.
The village remains under strict surveillance, with police deployed in large numbers to prevent further escalation.
