SP Leader and Others Face Charges for Allegedly Involving Students in Protest Against UP School Merger

A case has been registered against a Samajwadi Party leader and others for allegedly using schoolchildren in a protest against the Uttar Pradesh government's school merger decision. The incident involved distributing items to students and leading them in a protest march.

A case has been filed against a group of individuals, including a Samajwadi Party leader, for allegedly involving schoolchildren in a protest. This protest was against the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to merge schools with low enrolment, according to an official statement on Thursday.

District Magistrate Shailesh Kumar explained that 40 students from a primary school in Sikandra village were relocated to an empty Anganwadi centre in Pilkhani village. This move, about 800 metres away, was made with parental consent. On Wednesday, Anjani Saroj, a local Samajwadi Party leader, visited the Anganwadi centre with supporters and distributed stationery to the children.

Protest Involvement Allegations

Saroj allegedly enticed the students with sweets, provided them with banners and posters, and led them in a protest march back to their original school in Sikandra. The incident prompted an investigation by the chief development officer and the sub-divisional magistrate. Following this probe, the school's headmaster filed a complaint at Chauri police station.

On Thursday evening, officials confirmed that a case was registered against Saroj and others involved. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against Ramakant Singroul, Assistant Education Officer of Aurai, due to alleged negligence in handling the situation.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

Station House Officer Ramesh Kumar stated that a case has been lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This action follows a complaint by headmaster Sabhajit Yadav. Authorities are working to identify other individuals seen with Saroj in a video purportedly showing the protest.

The investigation continues as officials seek to determine all parties involved in orchestrating the protest. The focus remains on understanding how children were allegedly used in this demonstration against school mergers.

With inputs from PTI