The FIR was lodged initially in Lucknow following the directives of the DGP UP Vikram Singh because the DM and the SSP had declined registering a case in Etah, after finding the allegation false.

The case was initially registered at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow three days ago following directives of the DGP and it was transferred to the Aliganj police station of Etah for investigation yesterday.

The SHO of Aliganj police station Ranvir Singh, who is investigating the case, said: “The alleged incident had taken place on December 18 and the DM had got the matter investigated by the SDM and the CO Aliganj soon after the nayab tehsildar Ahibaran Singh had given a complaint. The SDM and the CO had found the allegation against Nagar Palika chairman Pradip Gupta, who is also a BJP leader, as fabricated. The officers also had stated that the complainant was engaged in unlawful activities under influence of some local politicians.”

“The DM and the SSP had even sent a recommendation to the government requesting transfer of the nayab tehsildar referring his unwanted activities,” the SHO said.

The DM Gaurav Dayal said, “The nayab tehsildar of Aliganj tehsil had caught a person who was declared defaulter by Etah BSNL office for not paying dues. The official (Ahibaran) was unaware that the person concerned had already procured a stay order from the court against the action initiated by the BSNL. Some locals including Pradip Gupta had objected Ahibaran taking the person in custody. A minor heated exchange had occurred then, but no incident of assault had taken place.”