Agra witnessed heightened tensions on Saturday when members of the Karni Sena held a rally to mark the birth anniversary of the famed Rajput warrior king, Rana Sanga. What began as a cultural and community-driven procession soon escalated into chaos, raising serious questions about public safety.
The rally, dubbed the “Rakt Swabhiman Rally,” was organized in response to recent controversial remarks by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman. His statement had already ignited outrage within the Rajput community, and the rally was seen as both a show of cultural pride and a demand for an official apology.
As the procession advanced through the city, thousands of Karni Sena supporters filled the streets, chanting slogans and voicing their admiration for Rana Sanga’s enduring legacy. However, the mood shifted dramatically when police forces arrived on the scene to monitor the event.
Eyewitnesses reported that the arrival of law enforcement seemed to provoke several participants, who openly brandished swords and sticks in a clear display of defiance. The situation escalated so rapidly that even senior police officials, including the Additional Commissioner, were forced to retreat temporarily to prevent a full-scale confrontation.
Despite the deployment of an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 security personnel — including reinforcements from neighboring districts and multiple battalions of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) — the crowd remained difficult to control for a time.
Leaders from the Karni Sena and the Kshatriya Sabha eventually intervened, urging protestors to maintain peace and discouraging any action that might undermine the rally’s intended message of cultural assertion.
Anticipating unrest, the Agra administration had placed the city on high alert even before the rally began. Security was especially tightened around MP Ramji Lal Suman’s residence, where barricades were set up, and armed officers were stationed to deter any possible flare-ups.
Although the situation was eventually brought under control, images and videos of participants wielding swords in broad daylight — and in front of law enforcement — have sparked public concern over the state of law and order in Agra.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether any arrests were made or if legal proceedings will be initiated against those involved in breaching public safety regulations. A high-level review meeting is expected to take place to examine the security lapses and to chart out stricter measures for any future demonstrations.
The atmosphere in the city remains tense, and officials are alert to prevent any further disruption.
