A clash unfolded between the police and followers of the Radha Soami sect in Agra’s Dayal Bagh area on Sunday, following the removal of what authorities deemed “illegal constructions.”
Official reports suggest that the Radha Soami Satsang Sabha had purportedly encroached upon both a public road and a parcel of government-owned land. On Saturday, administrative efforts led to the demolition of at least six gates and walls that had been constructed on the disputed road.
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However, a turn of events occurred once police personnel and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were withdrawn from the location. Allegedly, volunteers affiliated with the sect quickly reoccupied the road, installing new gates at the site.
Upon the administration’s return to carry out a second round of demolitions on Sunday, a clash erupted between sect volunteers and the police, resulting in injuries to several officers. In response, the police resorted to using force.
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Deputy Commissioner of Police (City), Suraj Kumar Rai, stated, “The Revenue Department had sought police force to remove illegal constructions on Chak Road. Some people pelted stones and obstructed the work of the Revenue Department officials. They even refused to talk.”
Regarding the extent of injuries among the police personnel, he added, “Some were, but there was no serious injury.”
Some video footage of the incident circulated widely on social media platforms revealed scenes of sect volunteers wielding spiked clubs in clashes with the police.