Sanjay Nishad, Uttar Pradesh Minister and President of the Nishad Party, stirred up tension in Bithalpur village, Deoria district, when he arrived with hundreds of supporters to offer condolences for the death of Deepu Nishad, 25. Alleging police inaction in apprehending the suspects named in the FIR filed by victim Deepu Nishad’s mother, Ramavati Devi, Minister Sanjay Nishad expressed dissatisfaction, leading to a disturbance. Supporters, purportedly from the Nishad Party, vandalized furniture and a motorcycle belonging to the village head and his brothers, named in the FIR.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ratnesh Tiwari urged the Minister to help restore peace amidst escalating tensions. Following an attack on the village head’s residence, hundreds of villagers and supporters confronted the Minister, chanting slogans against him. The situation necessitated police intervention, prompting the Minister to leave hastily upon the request of Deoria Superintendent of Police (SP) Sankalp Sharma.

Later, Minister Sanjay Nishad stated his visit aimed to ensure justice for the victims, asserting that local officials shielded the accused, who were out on bail in another case. He vowed to bring this matter before Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Security measures were heightened in anticipation of a fact-finding committee visit from the Samajwadi Party the following day.

Circle Officer of Rudrapur, Anushman Srivastav, confirmed that police had initiated an inquiry and filed a case against village head Chandra Bhan Singh and his brothers based on Ramavati Devi’s complaint.