Former UP Minister Swami Prasad Maurya Allegedly Slapped in Rae Bareli, Two Arrested
In a shocking incident on Wednesday, August 5, 2025, former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and Apni Janta Party chief Swami Prasad Maurya was allegedly assaulted by two individuals during a public programme near Saras crossing in Rae Bareli.
According to police officials, the incident occurred when Maurya had stopped for a welcome event. While he was being garlanded, one of the men allegedly pretended to be part of the reception group and suddenly slapped the veteran politician from behind.
Immediate Arrests & Police Statement
Rae Bareli City Circle Officer (CO) Amit Singh confirmed that the two accused — identified as Rohit Dwivedi and Shivam Yadav, both residents of Deeh in Rae Bareli — were apprehended on the spot by Maurya’s supporters and security personnel. The duo reportedly claimed affiliation with a Haryana-based right-wing political organisation.
“They have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings are underway. An FIR is being lodged under relevant sections. Maurya is safe and has not sustained injuries,” said the CO. The attackers, however, received facial and head injuries after being assaulted by the leader’s supporters before police intervened.
Viral Video & Political Reactions
A purported video of the incident has been circulating widely on social media, sparking political outrage and public debate. Maurya alleged that the assailants were from “Yogi ji’s biradari” and linked them to the Karni Sena, accusing the organisation of taking the law into their own hands under the patronage of the ruling regime.
“The anti-social elements of this Karni Sena have no respect for law and order. If such attacks can happen in police presence, one can only imagine what happens when the police are absent,” Maurya said. He described the incident as a clear sign of “Goonda Raj” in the state.
Political Background of Swami Prasad Maurya
Maurya, a prominent backward class leader with a career spanning over 25 years, has served as a minister in multiple UP governments. He was formerly associated with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving in the previous BJP-led state government until 2021 before launching his political outfit, the Apni Janta Party.
Known for his controversial remarks on Hindu religious texts, Maurya is no stranger to political storms. In the wake of the incident, he announced that his Lok Morcha will contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with the slogan: “BJP Hatao, UP Bachao” (Remove BJP, Save UP).
Opposition Leaders Condemn the Attack
Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandra Shekhar Azad strongly condemned the assault, calling it “an attack on democratic values and political dignity.” In a post on X, he wrote: The attack on former minister, ideological and missionary partner @SwamiPMaurya ji in Rae Bareli, UP is reprehensible and shameful. In a democracy, the solution to disagreement is debate and dialogue, not violence.”
The incident has reignited debates over political intolerance, law and order in Uttar Pradesh, and the growing trend of physical assaults on political figures in the country.
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