Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh MLA Sultan Beg has been booked by the police for allegedly making objectionable comments about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Maha Kumbh. The development has stirred controversy, with political parties trading barbs over the allegations.
The case was registered on Tuesday at Shergarh police station in Bareilly district based on a complaint filed by BJP leader Virpal Singh. According to the police, the remarks made by Beg, which were captured in a viral video, were deemed provocative and potentially harmful to public harmony.
Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh confirmed that Sultan Beg has been charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) and Section 299 (deliberate or malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class). Additionally, he faces charges under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, which deals with transmitting obscene or offensive material online.
The controversy began when a video allegedly featuring Sultan Beg was widely shared on social media platforms. In the video, Beg reportedly criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led state government, accusing it of mishandling the Maha Kumbh, one of the most significant religious events in the country.
In his purported remarks, Beg alleged that the government’s negligence had transformed the Maha Kumbh into a “cremation ground.” He claimed that inadequate planning and poor management by the administration had led to multiple incidents, including fires and stampedes, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives.
Beg further accused the government of failing to make sufficient arrangements for the massive influx of devotees and seers attending the event. According to him, this negligence caused widespread dissatisfaction among religious leaders, tarnishing the sanctity of the Maha Kumbh.
The police have taken note of the video and launched an investigation into the matter. Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh stated that the authorities are examining the footage and gathering evidence to substantiate the allegations.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings,” Singh said. The police are also probing whether Beg’s comments were intended to incite unrest or create a rift among religious communities.
The remarks attributed to Sultan Beg have sparked sharp reactions from political leaders and the public alike. While BJP leaders have strongly condemned the alleged statements, SP supporters have refrained from making any official comments on the issue.
BJP leader Virpal Singh, who complained, stated, “Such comments are unacceptable and hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. The Maha Kumbh is a sacred event, and any attempt to malign it will not be tolerated.”
The allegations have further intensified the political rivalry between the BJP and SP, with the BJP accusing the SP leadership of fostering divisive narratives. On the other hand, SP leaders have remained largely silent, with no official response from the party regarding the FIR against Beg.
As of now, Sultan Beg has not issued any statement or response to the FIR filed against him. His silence has left many speculating about his course of action. It remains to be seen whether Beg will defend his statements or contest the charges in court.
The incident has added to the already charged political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh, with elections around the corner. The police investigation will play a crucial role in determining the authenticity of the allegations and whether Beg’s comments violated any laws. Meanwhile, the controversy continues to dominate discussions, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding religious and political issues in the state.
